Betty Ann Conant, 80, a longtime resident of Norwich, died peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Born on March 3, 1938, in German, NY, Betty was the daughter of Silas and Minnie (Nelson) Eggleston. She grew up in Norwich and graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1957, who voted her as the Most Athletic female that year and which she took great pride in. On July 29, 1957, in Oxford, Betty married Erford B. Conant. Over the following 37 years, the two raised their five children and enjoyed the love of their many grandchildren. Erford predeceased Betty on May 12, 2004.
Later in life, Betty became the crossing guard on the corner of South Broad and Hale Streets for Perry Browne Intermediate School. For 11 years, she took great pride in ensuring the safety of the children every school day, along with the help with her famous hand puppet that she used to entertain and provide comfort to the children she guided. Her puppet wore over 100 different uniforms over the years and was even dressed up for the holidays. Betty was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Norwich. She loved the outdoors, enjoyed traveling with her family, and was always looking for a deal. Betty will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all she knew.
Betty is survived by her daughters Dalelee Conant, and Jill Conant-Trivette; her sons Morgan Conant and his wife, Lorelei, Timothy Conant and his wife, Lianne; grandchildren Travis (Janice) Smith, Andrew Smith, Kristina Lamascola, Sargant Stephan Sargent, Audrey McCabe, Hilary Conant, Janie Trivette, Brandon Trivette, Justin Black, Ashley Steward, Cameron Turner, Daniel Conant, Eric Conant, and Cooper Conant; eleven great-grandchildren; sister Loretta Kaufinger; brother William Eggleston; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Tracey Conant, in 2012, and her brother, Silas Eggleston, Jr.
A memorial service will take place at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 1:30 p.m., where Rev. David Spiegel will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the spring at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Chenango County Historical Society, 45 Rexford St., Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Guernsey Memorial Library, 3 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.