Elizabeth Orr, landscape designer

Elizabeth “Bet” Orr passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, after a long struggle with cancer.

She was born April 20, 1945, in Lynchburg, Va., daughter of the late Lawrence Orr and Rebecca Mitchell.

Bet had many gardening clients in both Washington, D.C., and Delaware. She designed many holiday decorations in downtown hotels and department store windows. Bet and Marianne Lester, her lifelong partner of 36 years, moved in 1989 into one of Milton’s historic homes. Behind the home was a hidden garden with many unique annuals and lovely perennials.

Throughout the years, Bet was an excellent businesswoman and creative landscape designer of unique small gardens in the historic districts of Lewes and Milton. One of the many gifts she shared with friends and clients was filling antique vases with large, beautiful bouquets of summer dahlias.

Bet’s gardens were often on the Milton Garden Club House Tours and Lewes Garden Tour, and received many awards. She was a highly respected businesswoman in Washington, D.C., Milton and Lewes.

Bet and Marianne enjoyed spending their retirement years in Milton and winters in Dunedin, Fla.

Bet was known for her smile and wonderful flower arrangements that she freely shared. Her friends will miss her greatly.

She is survived by her sister, Sharon Saunders; brother-in-law, Randy; and nieces, Michelle Davis (Scott) and Fallon Birch (Alex).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.