Betty T. Gada

Betty was born on February 29, 1940 in New London, the daughter of William and Amy Thomas Talley. She was predeceased by her parents, including her stepmother Eleanor Zaugg Talley and her sisters Barbara Talley and Joann Talley-Vojick. She was also predeceased by her aunt and uncle, Sylvia and Alfred Maddox, who took care of her and her sisters while her father was deployed.

Betty is survived by her husband Robert of 64 years, her sister Ruth Masters of Knoxville, TN, and her six children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her son Michael and his children Thomas (Kate) and daughter Lillian, Emily Callahan (Samuel), and Marcus; her daughter Christine (Steven) and her children Nicole (Mark) and son Emmett, Jackie, and Benjamin (Sierra) and his daughters Charleigh and Mabel; her son Robert (Jennifer) and his children Kimber, Jessie (Jack) and Zachary (Sabrina); her favorite (no secret, she always said David was her favorite) son David (Kelly) and children Adam and Megan (Cody) and son Rhett; her son Dennis (Debra) and children Joseph (Kaitlyn) and daughter Olivia and son Owen, Shannon (Joshua) Hylton and daughter Mozelle, and Sarah; and her youngest daughter Debra.

Betty played a special role in her nephew Joshua Talley’s life, and loved him as a son.

Betty Gada will forever be remembered as selfless, strong, dedicated, loyal and loving mother who raised six children with pride, integrity and kindness. She is a second mom to many who were lucky enough to be cared for or helped by her in some way. Betty never ran out of love, support or encouragement for those who needed it. She had everything to do with the successes of her offspring and relatives.

The family would like to acknowledge Betty’s caregiver Sue Jones for her dedication and support during her final years. Sue and Betty went on daily adventures, shopping, eating seafood, and visiting the beaches Betty loved in Niantic, especially McCook’s and Giants Neck.

Betty graduated from New London High School in 1958 and went on to earn her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Bridgeport in 1960. She worked as a dental hygienist for most of her professional life, in the practice started by Dr. Dolin, then continued by Dr. Bartlett, then Drs. Zelmanow from 1960-2005. Along with her dental career she worked for her daughter Debra at Heat Incorporated until retiring after 17 years in 2015. She loved ceramics, and the whole family joined in making projects with the kiln in the basement. Betty was a lifelong member of the Niantic Baptist Church and enjoyed helping her sister and stepmother with Christmas bazaars and other activities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00am in St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh St., Niantic. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic.

Please visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.fultontherouxnaintic.com__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!KQ5QdNmO9XpZqh9oQ3twQEfTZyslG-PoQLDg4v5up1slmnFFRig3dBCzrbEXx6-ezRF1t0iS-a8nvF6Ma-Shw-dTsQhYLhyRHwgn7s6V$[fultontherouxnaintic[.]com] for tributes and directions.

Donations in Betty’s honor may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, the Hydrocephalus Foundation, or the charity of your choice.