In Memory of

Elizabeth

"Betty"

Gagliano

(Stanton)

Obituary for Elizabeth "Betty" Gagliano (Stanton)

Elizabeth "Betty" Stanton Gagliano, 92, of Glastonbury, passed away Friday, April 21 at Middlesex Hospital with family by her side. She was the wife of late Thomas D. Gagliano, Sr. She is survived by her loving family, two sons, Thomas D. Gagliano, Jr of Portland, and James S. Gagliano and daughter-in-law Kimberly Gagliano of East Hampton; three grandchildren, Emily Gagliano, Thomas C. Gagliano and Conner Gagliano ; and also her dear friends Judy Boyce, Carolyn Rogers, Sheila Hummel and Paula Decrane. Betty was born November 3, 1924 and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1942. Immediately following high school, Betty enrolled in an accelerated secretarial program at the Katharine Gibbs School where she earned her Executive Secretary certificate in June 1943 with plans for further education. Following secretarial school, Betty attended the University of Lowell in the fall of 1943 but only for a semester. Job opportunities presented themselves and she left school, never losing her desire and love for education. In May of 1978 Betty earned her Associate's Degree in General Studies from Manchester Community College while also taking many other courses unrelated to her degree. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree from Antioch University of New England. In addition to her passion for education, music was a large part of Betty's life. She was a piano student of Mary Dutton Liversidge for twelve years in her youth and studied jazz piano at the Phil Saltman Studio in Boston, Massachusetts. Always eager to share her knowledge with others, Betty also taught piano for many years and held positions such as the New Jersey State Music Chairman of the American Legion Auxiliary, General Chairman of Public Relations for the All New England Music Festival, staff pianist at the YWCA and the Music Director at Happy Health Camp in Boxford, Massachusetts. What Betty enjoyed most in life was helping students, friends, family, acquaintances and people from every walk of life "find their way". After several jobs including various secretarial positions and Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, she began employment at Manchester Community College as an Educational Assistant at the Counseling Center. Here her dedication to education and desire to help people came together as she found her niche. After earning her Master's degree, she was later employed by the University of Connecticut's West Hartford campus as a counselor. Here she advised and provided guidance for adults seeking to further their education. She worked at UConn until her retirement. Betty was a rare and unique woman whose diverse experiences, jovial nature and uncommon empathy for others made her an exceptional friend, wife and mother. She was happiest when surrounded by family, especially her grandchildren and four-legged friends. She touched the lives of all whom she encountered and she will be missed dearly. Betty's family would like to extend an overwhelming thank you to all who have been involved in her life over the last few years including the staff from The Village at South Farms and the Encompass Team (Karen, Colleen, Erin, Ann Marie and JoAnne). Additionally, a very special thank you goes to the staff that cared for Betty on the Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit for their exceptional care, understanding and kind words during this difficult time. Friends may call on Friday April 28, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Ave., Glastonbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 29, 2017 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May St., East Hartford, CT 06108. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Rd. Glastonbury. To extend online condolences or to light a memorial candle, please visit Farleysullivan.com.