Elizabeth Williams Arthur

Elizabeth “Betty” (Williams) Arthur, 99, of Wethersfield, widow of Robert Arthur, died Thursday, June 18, 2015 at home. She was born December 17, 1915 in Stratford and was the daughter of the late Beulah (Thompson) Williams and Frederick Williams. Betty moved to Wethersfield in 1918, where she has lived her entire life. She graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1934. She went on to work as a secretary at Travelers Insurance Company where she met her husband, Bob. There were married in 1941 and not long after, Bob was drafted into the Army Air Corps. Betty followed Bob around the United States while he was in training, until he was shipped overseas, when she returned to her parent’s home in Wethersfield. Betty survived the Hartford Circus Fire by escaping down a guide rope of the burning tent while eight months pregnant with her first child. When Bob returned from the war, they settled in Wethersfield and raised three daughters. She was a member of the DAR, Wethersfield Historical Society, the Seniors Bowling and Golf Leagues, as well as the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield. She collected antique toleware and painted similar designs on tinware crafted by Bob. Their extensive collection of antique toleware is now part of the Sturbridge Village collection. She and Bob also carved and painted birds. She traveled extensively around the United States and Europe, and was an avid gardener. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Ruth Wilson and brother, Fred Williams. She leaves behind three daughters, Mary Smith and Dennis Harrington of Quincy, MA, Joan Bonin and Jack of Marlborough, and Susan Redmond and Gary of Albuquerque, NM; seven grandchildren, Alison Smith (Michael Alpert) of Nantucket, MA, Andrew Smith (Sheila) of Hilton Head, SC, Thomas Ahern of Quincy, MA, Robert Nikander of New Haven, William Nikander of Bellevue, WA, Theresa Hubbard (Mark) of Alpharetta, GA, and Daniel Sirois (Corinne) of Charlotte, NC, as well as five great-grandchildren. Services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Betty with the family, please visit www.desopo.com.