Betty Ann “Betts” Avery ’57 (PHARM)

Betty Ann “Betts” Avery of Lancaster, CA passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 17th, 2023, at the young age of 87.

Betty Ann was born in Hartford, CT on September 25, 1935, to the parents of Amelia and Onofrio Terragna. Upon graduating from Buckley High School, Betty Ann continued her education at the University of Connecticut where she also enjoyed participating in several activities and clubs. She held the position of display chairman for her sorority, Delta Zeta, and was a member of the American Pharmacists Association, the Newman Club and Dolphinette Synchro Swim Club.

After graduating from UConn at the top of her class, Betty Ann was one of the few female pharmacists at that time who paved the way for women in her profession. After a career spanning over 55 prestigious years, she eventually retired.

Betty Ann is survived by two younger brothers, Peter, and Richard Terragna, three daughters, Marilynn Jablonski and husband Warren, Cheryl Dolan and husband Paul, and Jacqueline Mendoza and husband Bernie. She will be forever loved by all eight of her grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Sharp and witty with a great sense of humor, Betts loved talking baseball and watching the game. She was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox who later became a loyal Dodger fan when she moved out west.

Throughout her life she straddled two coasts, forever loving her UConn women’s basketball team and missing her beloved town of Westbrook. An avid athlete who loved the water, Betty Ann enjoyed water skiing, swimming, and sailing. On land, she was a fierce competitor whether she was on a golf course, tennis court or running a 10K race. Multi-talented, Betts was a remarkable seamstress, an articulate creative writer who could sing and play the piano beautifully as well as an incredible artist who worked with several mediums including pastels, oils, charcoal and shells. Chef status in the kitchen, her savory recipes and delectable baked treats were enjoyed immensely by all which earned her the moniker of “Cookie.” She was an incredible woman gifted in so many ways who gave us the greatest gift of all. ~Betts, Mom, Grammie, Cookie; You shall forever be missed, but never forgotten.