Suffield Obituary: Elizabeth Busekist, 85

Elizabeth (Betty) L. Cunningham Busekist, 85, formerly of Enfield, passed away peacefully after a long battle with ALS, at the Suffield House, Thursday, April 14, 2016.

She was born on December 29, 1930 in the town of Bombay, N.Y. Since she was born prematurely and weighed only 2.5 lbs. her original bed was a large shoe box, which was kept on the oven door of the family's wood stove. Being of sturdy northern New York stock, she survived nicely and went on to live an active life, which included skiing, skating, and cheerleading. She graduated from Bombay High School in 1949 as valedictorian.

In 1953, Betty graduated from the N.Y. State University at Plattsburg, NY. with a Bachelor of Science Degree and as a Registered Nurse.
Her first position was as school nurse at McGraw N.Y. In addition to her nurse's duties, she also taught Health. Working with the McGraw Lions Club, Betty was able to provide needy children with glasses. She also took several youngsters to medical clinics and obtained needed mediations for qualified children. She later worked as a Public Health Nurse in Cortland County. During the course of her duties she encountered Glenna, a fourteen year old girl who had lost both parents. She brought Glenna home with her on a temporary basis. This temporary basis lasted until Glenna graduated from high school and was married to her high school boyfriend.

Betty met Cliff Busekist, the local Vocational Agricultural teacher, and they were married on August 9, 1954. Cliff said that this was the best decision he ever made. "She was a beautiful bride, and an excellent cook" and her nurses training was invaluable to treat Cliff's many injuries. In 1956, Betty and Cliff moved to Canandaigua, N.Y. Betty worked as a nurse at F.F. Thompson hospital as the evening charge nurse in the newly opened Intensive Care Unit. In 1965, they moved to East Longmeadow, MA.

In addition to raising four children, Betty worked part-time at Wesson Hospital in Springfield. She planned her work schedule so that she could always be home when the children arrived from school. She later worked as charge nurse at Mary Lyons Nursing Home in Hampden, MA. Continuing her care for others, Betty represented elderly patients as an ombudsman in Brookfield, MA. After Cliff's retirement, they moved to Palmer, MA., and Betty worked in a book store. She has always enjoyed reading and this position exposed her to many volumes of literature. In 1998, they moved to Enfield, and resided at the Hamlet Condominiums.

Betty leaves her three children; Linda and Dan Merlino of Enfield, Cheryl and Robert Harrington of Kingston, MA., Susan and Robert Cooley of San Diego, CA. Six grandchildren; Blair, Mary, Timothy, and Anna Merlino, Robert Jr. and Samuel Harrington, and a great grandson; Logan Matthew. Betty was predeceased by her son, Michael of Springfield, MA.

Visitation hours will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016 at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Enfield. Committal will follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield, MA.

Donations in Betty's memory may be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 20, North St., Enfield, CT, or to the ALS Clinic in New Britain, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT 06053.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com.