Elizabeth 'Betty' Martin, lifelong learner, educator

Elizabeth “Betty” Helen Martin, 88, of Lewes, was welcomed into heaven Saturday, June 6, 2015. She was born June 9, 1926, daughter of the late loving parents, James Hannah and Helen Dockerty.

Betty was raised in Kearny, N..J. where she grew up raising show dogs with her father and cared for her ailing mother. She graduated from Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, N.J. After World War II, Betty married the love of her life, William Joseph Martin; together they settled in Sparta, N.J. where she raised her two sons.

Betty kept busy caring for her family and working full time as a secretary at Sparta High School. She had a real desire for higher education and realized its value; so while juggling these duties, she attended William Patterson College at nights. She achieved her goal and earned a bachelor's degree, specializing in early childhood education. Putting her education and experience to good use, Betty became a teacher at the West Milford School District in New Jersey. She really enjoyed making a connection with her students and spent the next 30 years doing just that.

Betty made many friends over the years and cherished each one individually. She remained extremely active volunteering for many organizations, including the League of Women Voters, NJEA, AAUW, NAPE, Zwaanendael Women's Club of Lewes, Red Hat Society, Cape Henlopen School District tutoring program and the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes libraries.

Proud of her Scottish heritage, Betty made many trips to Scotland over the years to visit relatives who were very dear to her. A champion of the less fortunate in all walks of life, she took in and cared for rescue dogs with Cairn Terriers being her favorite. Betty loved reading, learning, laughing, the daily crossword puzzle and cooking tasty dishes in her home. Spending time with family and friends was important and a nice meal followed by Jeopardy and a game of cards was her idea of a great time.

Betty will be fondly remembered as she exemplified what being a wife, mother, educator, humanitarian and friend is. Her passing is heartfelt here on earth, but the family rejoices with her ascension into heaven.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, William Martin; and her two grandchildren, Leah and James Martin. She is survived by her two sons: Barry Martin and his wife Debbie of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Bruce Martin of Lewes; three grandchildren, Keri and Alex Morrill both of Flagstaff, and Brendon Martin of Lewes; and two great-grandchildren, Kiona and Kayla both of Flagstaff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, followed by a catered luncheon in the church hall. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958 (children's wing).

Please visit Betty’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.