Obituary for Betty Louise Stevens (Hippler)
“The love of gardening is a seed that once is sewn never dies”
Betty Louise (Hippler) Stevens, 90, of Seabury in Bloomfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday (January 6, 2021). Betty was predeceased by her husband of 59 years Robert (Bob) and her sister Dottie Jessop. She leaves her brother Leonard Hippler, three children and their families: Paul and his wife Gail, Lynn and her husband Dr. John Giacchetto, and Peter and his wife Sarah; grandchildren (and their spouses): Eric and Chantal Scanlon, Gabrielle Giacchetto Gannon, Mandy and Kim Dekker- Giacchetto, Laura Stevens, Matt and Athina Stevens, and Julie Stevens. Great grandchildren: Shane, Alana, Lucia, Mason, Everett and Mila Marie.
She was born in Middletown, Connecticut to Henry and Ethel Hippler. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School where, amongst other activities, she was a member of their Rifle Team and National Honor Society. Betty went on to attend both Simmons College in Boston and the University of Southern California (USC). Upon returning to Connecticut, she married Bob, her brother’s Wesleyan University classmate/fraternity brother. Living and raising their family in Portland, she fostered her love for both her community and gardening. She became a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Portland River Valley Garden Club. Her passion for gardening and horticulture continued to grow and she later became the president of the Connecticut Horticultural Society, Chair of the Connecticut Unit of the Herb Society of America and then served as it's National President, where she received the Helen de Conway Little Medal of Honor. She was also involved in faith based activities, having been a long time member of the South Glastonbury Congregational Church where she served as the first female deacon and president. Betty was a very active volunteer in the state and a member of the board at Middlesex Memorial Hospital, The Middlesex Visiting Nurse and Home Health Services as well as the Rockfall Foundation. She was a hospice volunteer at both the Connecticut Hospice in Branford and Middlesex Hospital. She was known for bringing her home grown/created “tussie musies” to her hospice patients to comfort them during their final transition. Moving from Portland to Middle Haddam/Cobalt, she and Bob continued their mutual love for gardening at “Minebrook” which became their homestead. Later, their move to Seabury enabled them to take care of their health needs and meet many new friends and care givers. “Her relationship with her caregivers was very special.” They were genuinely part of her 'family'.
At this time, there is no memorial service planned. A private family service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford will be scheduled as she joins her husband, Bob, into eternity. As a devoted volunteer and philanthropist, it is Betty’s wish that her long established relationship with The Herb Society of America, Middlesex Memorial Hospital, The Hartford Interval House, Hartford Food System, Alzheimer's Association would be considered in her memory. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
Betty Louise (Hippler) Stevens, 90, of Seabury in Bloomfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday (January 6, 2021). Betty was predeceased by her husband of 59 years Robert (Bob) and her sister Dottie Jessop. She leaves her brother Leonard Hippler, three children and their families: Paul and his wife Gail, Lynn and her husband Dr. John Giacchetto, and Peter and his wife Sarah; grandchildren (and their spouses): Eric and Chantal Scanlon, Gabrielle Giacchetto Gannon, Mandy and Kim Dekker- Giacchetto, Laura Stevens, Matt and Athina Stevens, and Julie Stevens. Great grandchildren: Shane, Alana, Lucia, Mason, Everett and Mila Marie.
She was born in Middletown, Connecticut to Henry and Ethel Hippler. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School where, amongst other activities, she was a member of their Rifle Team and National Honor Society. Betty went on to attend both Simmons College in Boston and the University of Southern California (USC). Upon returning to Connecticut, she married Bob, her brother’s Wesleyan University classmate/fraternity brother. Living and raising their family in Portland, she fostered her love for both her community and gardening. She became a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Portland River Valley Garden Club. Her passion for gardening and horticulture continued to grow and she later became the president of the Connecticut Horticultural Society, Chair of the Connecticut Unit of the Herb Society of America and then served as it's National President, where she received the Helen de Conway Little Medal of Honor. She was also involved in faith based activities, having been a long time member of the South Glastonbury Congregational Church where she served as the first female deacon and president. Betty was a very active volunteer in the state and a member of the board at Middlesex Memorial Hospital, The Middlesex Visiting Nurse and Home Health Services as well as the Rockfall Foundation. She was a hospice volunteer at both the Connecticut Hospice in Branford and Middlesex Hospital. She was known for bringing her home grown/created “tussie musies” to her hospice patients to comfort them during their final transition. Moving from Portland to Middle Haddam/Cobalt, she and Bob continued their mutual love for gardening at “Minebrook” which became their homestead. Later, their move to Seabury enabled them to take care of their health needs and meet many new friends and care givers. “Her relationship with her caregivers was very special.” They were genuinely part of her 'family'.
At this time, there is no memorial service planned. A private family service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford will be scheduled as she joins her husband, Bob, into eternity. As a devoted volunteer and philanthropist, it is Betty’s wish that her long established relationship with The Herb Society of America, Middlesex Memorial Hospital, The Hartford Interval House, Hartford Food System, Alzheimer's Association would be considered in her memory. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com