Bette H. Connerley

Bette H. Connerley, 78, formerly of Fremont, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2006, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. The last two years Bette has lived in Taos, New Mexico near her son Jay.

Bette was born June 21, 1927 in Baird, Texas. She grew up in Texarkana, Texas. There she met her future husband, Melvin Connerley. He was in the Army and stationed near by. They married in May 1949.

They lived and traveled all over the United States. Bette and Melvin had homes in Puerto Rico, where their two children were born, in California, Washington, and Kansas. Melvin retired to Fremont in 1962. When they moved back to Fremont, Melvin took over the family business, Connerley Wine and Liquor store. Melvin died in July 1990.

Two years ago, when her Parkinson's became more difficult, Bette moved to Taos to be near her son, Jay. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Kraemer and husband, Rob, of Tampa, Florida and her son Jay, and wife Mary, of Taos, New Mexico, Mary's son Paul Gugino, his wife and three daughters of Cincinnati, Ohio. She also leaves behind her sister, Tini Cummings, of Texarkana, Texas and many longtime friends and neighbors in Fremont.

Bette will be remembered as a supportive and loving wife and mother. She was a good and loyal friend with a giving heart. Bette was involved in many charitable organizations and was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was well known for her quilting skills and being the ultimate hostess. She was a wonderful cook, well known for her chocolate chip cookies.

A memorial Mass was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Freemont Nebraska, February 13 with a reception following Mass. Internment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery along side Melvin. In lieu of flowers please send donations to:
National Parkinson Foundation
1501 NW 9th Ave
Bob Hope Rd
Miami Florida, 33136 -1494
1 800 327 4545
www.parkinson.org

Her children would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Plaza De Retiro, her home the last two years for their loving attention and compassion. This will always be deeply appreciated and gratefully remembered.