Obituary: Elizabeth Ann Markley, neé Kunz, of Branford

Information and photo via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home,

Elizabeth Ann Markley, neé Kunz, fondly known as Bette. Long-time resident of Branford, Connecticut, recently moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Elizabeth Kunz was born on April 5, 1935 in New Haven, CT, the loving daughter of John and Margaret. She graduated Hillhouse High School before attaining a Nursing degree from The Hospital of Saint Raphael.

She later attended Southern Connecticut State University and received a BS in Education. Bette married Albert Markley in 1956 and moved to Branford, where she raised a family and had a long career at The Hospital of Saint Raphael.

She was a spitfire in every sense, a true wit and lover of words, and could often be found reading, listening to Barbra Streisand and Rosemary Clooney, or attending productions at the Shubert Theatre. She was also incredibly tenacious—a common phrase in her household was “don’t try, just do”—instilling that virtue in the children and grand-children she raised.

She was modest about her intelligence and strength, but radiated it through her words and actions as matriarch of the family. She is survived by an adoring family that includes her husband Albert and their children Albert (Patricia), Susan Lutes, Michael, and Sheila Sitarich (Silvio); grandchildren Alexis Weiss (Erik), Erin Brown (Ray), Alicia, Erik (Kara), Stefany, Christian, and Emma; her great-grandchildren Terrin and Jaxson; her sister Judith (Michael), and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John and William Kunz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday February 6 at 10:00 at St. Mary Church at St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Elizabeth Markley, please visit our Tribute Store.