In Memory of

Mary

Elizabeth

Alsing

(Bettger)

Obituary for Mary Elizabeth Alsing (Bettger)

Mary Elizabeth (Bettger) Alsing of Somers left us on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in the comfort of her own home at the age of 100. Born on May 27, 1917 in Monkton, Ontario, Canada, Mary was one of 8 children of Milton and Clarissa (Forler) Bettger. In 1941 she married the love of her life, Walter Pearson (Pete) Halfnight. Sadly, Pete passed away suddenly at a very young age and Mary was left to take care of herself and their infant daughter, Susan. Through the following years, Mary worked as a secretary in Guelph, Ontario and subsequently at the Board of Education in Hartford, Connecticut. An accomplished seamstress, Mary always created beautiful clothing for herself and Susan. With very limited financial means, she created a lovely home. With a kind, loving heart, steely determination, and deeply ingrained values, she demonstrated to all that life, while not easy, was joyful and purposeful. Following a move to Hartford in 1959, Mary married Carl Alsing in 1965 and they moved to Somers, Connecticut where Mary became a loved and appreciated member of the community through volunteering at Johnson Memorial Hospital for 40 years (even at 100), and actively participating in the Somers Congregational Church choir and Women’s Fellowship. She was a valued friend to many and she treasured her many friends of all ages in the community. An avid reader, Mary was well known at the Somers Library where they frequently supplied her with books they knew would interest her. In her 90s, two great-grandchildren were born and Mary took up knitting again (after a 60 year hiatus) and produced lovely outfits and accessories for the babies while enjoying the company and support of her friends at Knitting Criations. Above all, Mary's true passion was her family and spending time with them brought her the greatest joy. Mary is survived by her daughter, Susan Simon, and her husband, Richard; a sister, Verna Cutt; three granddaughters, Gillian Simon and her husband, Lee Meirowitz, Taryn Simon and her husband, Jacob Paltrow, and Shannon Simon; two great grandchildren, Whistler Halfnight Paltrow and Eliel Simon Paltrow; and many nieces and nephews in Canada who adored her. Mary is predeceased by Carl Alsing and her siblings, Ruth Walker, Ethel Hopkinson, Lloyd Bettger, Harold Bettger, Elmer Bettger, and Helen Chapman. A memorial service will be held at Somers Congregational Church on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 1:00 pm. A second memorial service will be held in Goderich, Ontario this summer. Burial will be private. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main St, Somers, CT 06071. To leave an online expression of sympathy please visit www.Leetestevens.com