Bette Czerwinski
LOWVILLE — Elizabeth "Bette" M. Czerwinski, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Lewis County General Hospital under the care of East Wing nursing staff.
Born on August 27, 1926, in Watertown, the daughter of the late John F. and Alxena M. Brunett Coughlin, Bette was graduated from Watertown High School in 1942, at the age of 16 years old. She continued her education at the Eastman Dental Dispensary and worked for Dr. Chrysler in Watertown, and for the Lewis County School System as a dental hygienist
On June 28, 1952, Bette was married to Raymond V. Czerwinski at Holy Family Catholic Church. As communicants of Holy Family, she and Raymond helped establish the tradition of the May Festival in Watertown. The couple moved to Lowville in 1974, where Ray was employed as Lewis County Highway Superintendent. Mr. Czerwinski passed away on December 2, 1982.
Bette and her husband were communicants of St. Peter's Catholic Church where they organized the St. Peter's Church Festival and volunteered their time each spring. She was also a member of LCGH Auxiliary taking an active role at the Hollyberry Sale and was a literacy volunteer in Watertown and in Lowville.
Her hobbies included watching the birds especially Cardinals, playing Bridge, Crossword puzzles and collecting and selling antiques out of her home business, "Bette's Browsery" on State Street. She enjoyed spending her summers at Point Vivian on the River.
Surviving Bette is her daughter, Nancy Czerwinski and Grant Curtis of Lincoln, DE; four sons: Bruce L. and Kristen of Lowville, Stefan J. and Vivianna of Clayton, Paul R. and Susan of Syracuse and John C. of Watertown; ten grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Her sister, Joan Frances Bowerman died before her.
A funeral mass will be said at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Christopher Carrara, officiating. Burial will be in Lowville Rural Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Sundquist Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM.
Memorials in Bette's name may be made to Lewis County Hospice, Inc. P. O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367 or to a charity of one's choice.
