Elizabeth "Betty" Michalowski

Dr. Elizabeth "Betty" Michalowski, 97, of New Britain passed away Saturday November 2, 2013 at her home. A native and lifelong New Britain resident, she graduated from New Britain High School in 1934 and married Ladislaus "Laddie" Michalowski, who passed away in 2006. While working as a secretary for the United Electrical Workers union and raising two young daughters, Betty began taking night classes at Central CT State College and continued as a part-time student until she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern CT State College in 1962 and a Masters and Ph.D. in Art Education from Columbia University in 1978. She taught Art at Berlin High School, and then taught studio art classes, Art History and Art Appreciation as a full professor at Mattatuck Community College in Waterbury. In 1985 she received a Commendation from the General Assembly, State of CT, recognizing her 26 years of teaching at Mattatuck. After her retirement, she continued to teach Art History as part-time faculty at Tunxis Community College and continued to teach online courses into her 90's. Betty created the design for the "Salute to Women" monument in Walnut Hill Park that honored women on the Home Front during World War II. It is believed to be the only monument of its kind in the country. Betty was also a painter and potter. Her works were displayed most recently in January 2013 at the Gallery at the First Church of Christ Congregational in New Britain, where she was a member. She was a former member of the New Britain Art League and a docent for several years at the Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford. Betty's approach to teaching and to life in general was illustrated in November of 2001, two months after the fall of the World Trade Center, when she attended an inter-faith prayer ritual at an area mosque with her Tunxis students as an opportunity to learn more about Muslims and their art and culture. She was also responsible for broadening the art history curriculum to include African and Asian art. Surviving are two daughters, Judy Michalowski and her husband Barry Wasserman of Sacramento, CA; and Linda Michalowski also of Sacramento; a granddaughter, Terra Michalowski of Sacramento; a brother, Harold Geragosian and his wife Harriet of New Britain; a nephew, John Geragosian, his wife Audrey Honig Geragosian and daughter Molly of New Britain; and four nephews and two nieces from her husband's side. Besides her husband Laddie, she was predeceased by a brother, John H. Geragosian and three sisters, Alice Geragosian, Margaret Geragosian on Oct 7, 2013, and Rose Martin. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 10 AM at First Church of Christ Congregational, 830 Corbin Ave, New Britain. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by clicking on "Add Condolences" at the bottom of this page.

Elizabeth "Betty" Michalowski

March 7, 1916 - November 2, 2013

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Elizabeth "Betty" Michalowski

March 7, 1916 - November 2, 2013

365 Days of Grief Support

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