Elizabeth Havington

ELIZABETH “Betty” HAVINGTON, age 93, of 839 Bennie Road, Cortland and formerly of Dryden and Groton, NY passed away Thursday, March 18, 2010 after a brief illness. Mrs. Havington was born Nov. 10, 1916 in King Ferry, NY the only child of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Robertson) Shaw. Mrs. Havington was a graduate of King Ferry High School, Ithaca College School of Music and had completed post graduate studies at Cornell, Syracuse and SUNY Cortland. On Aug. 8, 1951 she was married to Walter Havington who survives. She was a music teacher for 21 years in Dryden and had previously taught in Virgil, Union Springs and McLean.

Her memberships include the King Ferry Presbyterian Church, the New York State Retired Teachers Assoc., the Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, Hudson-Fulton-Dryden Chapter #250, Order of the Eastern Star, Groton Columbian Club, Dryden Senior Citizens, and the Groton Art Class. Additionally she was a Past Noble Grand of the Clover Rebekah Lodge, A Past President of the Groton Columbian Club, a Past Junior Deputy and a 50+ year member of the New York State Grange and a Past President of the Ithaca Area Retired Teachers Assoc. Mrs. Havington had conducted many area church choirs and musical organizations. Mrs. Havington was elected Teacher of the Year by her fellow teachers in 1971-1972. Many of her former students began their music education career after studying with her. Still many others had the good fortune to begin their love of music after her elementary level music instruction classes and lessons. Betty was a great lady who will be missed by many.

Her loving husband of 59 years, Walter Havington of Cortland; niece, Frances Dory of St. Petersburg, FL; nephew, Charles (Gloria) Havington of Homer and several great nieces and nephews survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, March 22 at the United Methodist Church of Dryden with Rev. Alan Kinney officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Friends are invited to call Monday at the church, prior to the service, from 1 to 2 PM. Those wishing to remember Betty are asked to consider a memorial gift in her name to a charity of their one choice. Perkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.perkinsfuneralhome