Elizabeth "Betty" (Watson) Corning, 88, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her three children and her very special dog, Bailey. Betty was predeceased by her devoted husband of 64 years, Irwin J. (“Red”) Corning. Betty was born in Cleveland, OH, to John Watson and Honora (McGuire) Watson, on March 31, 1929. As a teen, Betty’s family moved to CT to live for a short time with Ann (Casey)Cody, Sister Marie McGuire, (both predeceased) and John Casey, who were dear cousins. Betty and her family spent most of the rest of her life residing in West Hartford. She worked at Connecticut Mutual, until she left to raise her three children. During this time she did volunteer work for the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, taught religious instruction and was a teacher’s aide. She also worked for a local temp agency. Betty enjoyed camping trips to the Connecticut shore with her family and spent many fun summers on Cape Cod. Betty and Red were members of the “Shooting Stars” Square Dance Club, and made many great friends camping and square dancing.
Betty is survived by her three children and their spouses: son, Tom (Jeanie) Corning of Newington, daughters, Jean (Danny) Golden of West Hartford, and Nancy (Steve) Palumbo of Elkton, MD. Betty is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Mathew Corning, Daniel (Monique) Golden, Michael (Lilly) Rahilly, John (Linda) Corning, Timothy (Tiffany) Golden, Kathryn (Steve) Murray, Allison (Keith) Golden, Annette (Ryan) Rios, Cecelia (Matthew) Grapes, Tyler Budka, Noah Palumbo, and Caleb Palumbo, and seven great-grandchildren; Hayden, Greyson, Landon, Micah, Joseph, Shaun and Brady. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Carlson of South Windsor, and her children, Peter, Douglas, and Alexis, and Sisters-in-Law Louise (Albert)Corning, Marion (Bud) Menzel, and Diana (Ralph) Corning, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a brother, Bernard Watson.
Betty and her children would like to express thanks to the nurses and caregivers from Hartford Health Care Hospice at Home, and to her dear neighbors for their love and care. Calling hours will be at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Monday, September 25, 2017, at St. Brigid Church, 1088 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com