1933
Elizabeth
2021
Elizabeth Kelson Moss Gershaneck
May 18, 1933 — December 29, 2021
Bette was educated in a one room schoolhouse in Old Bennington until entering Bennington High School. She was a proud graduate of the 'Benhi' class of 1951. In addition to her involvement in many clubs, Bette was a talented baton twirler, an endeavor she shared with her dear late friend, Janet Flynn Roberts.
Bette married Ralph R. Bennett II in 1955 at the Old First Church in Bennington where she was a member. They would go on to have four children, Ralph Richard III, Peter Kelson, Mari Elizabeth, and Stephen Moss. The couple made their home on Elm Street with Dr. Ralph Bennett DO, and his wife Barbara Robinson Bennett, Prior to their divorce in 1971 the couple purchased 123 West Main Street where Bette remained until her death.
A socialite, Bette held many diverse vocations, always looking to connect with people. In her youth she was employed by Hep Jewelers on Main Street, she was a head waitress and hostess of the Paradise Restaurant in 1957 where she also managed the gift shop. Bette had an affinity for welcoming patrons and listening to others share their stories. She would continue to serve downtown businesses of the 1950's and 60's through her employment with Home Furniture, the Crazy Horse Gift Shop, the Sewing Shop, and later earned the title of "Bette with the Weather" at the WBTN radio station.
In 1975, Bette purchased The Gift Garden from one of her classmates, Lorna Cole, which she operated for 39 years. The Gift Garden flower shop became a hub for locals and tourists alike, where community members would stop to share stories and a coffee. Bette cherished her customers, community, and friends.
Some of Bette's most memorable, among numerous, civic contributions include being the first female President of the Bennington Rescue Squad, serving as a Deputy Sheriff, and volunteering as an officer on the board of Bennington Hospice.
On April 23,1982, Bette married Harold Gershaneck with whom she enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and dancing to Frank Sinatra, until his death in 2012.
Bette is survived by her three sons, Ralph R. Bennett lll of Bennington, Peter K. Bennett and his wife Jeanne of Putney, VT, Stephen M. Bennett of Bennington, and her daughter, Mari Elizabeth Bennett and partner Frederick Bragdon of Shatsbury,VT. Her grandchildren, Christanna Carreño of Virginia, Lindsay Bennett of New Jersey, Peter K. Bennett of California, Vosjon Vajda of North Carolina, Geoffrey Bennett of Bennington, Dr. Henrietta Bennett of Canada, Margaret Bennett of Putney, Ralph R. Bennett IV of New York, Elizabeth Amidon of Florida, and Abraham Amidon of Bennington. Great grandchildren: Christian and Marisol (Christianna) and Fiona (Lindsay).
Through her marriage to her beloved Harry, Bette leaves behind step-children and step-grandchildren, who she embraced as her own. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Harry, and her only sibling, Elsine LaCroix Sweet, of Manchester VT.
She was adored by all who met her. Bette treated all with dignity and she will be remembered for her selfless dedication to others throughout her life. Bette leaves a legacy of her unconditional love for her family.
Her family invites you to share your memories and condolences virtually as a celebration of Bette's life is planned for the spring of 2022.
The family would also like to thank caregivers, Laetitia and Joan, for their love and companionship, and to all of those who showed kindness to Bette in her later years.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Kelson Moss Gershaneck, please visit our flower store.
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