Betsey Nixon

Betsey Nixon
1931 - 2023

Betsey Beebe (Smith) Nixon, affectionately known as Bets, passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 92 in Southbury, CT. She was born on August 12, 1931, in Sayville, Long Island, New York, to Hervey Garrett Smith and Elsie (Beebe) Smith.

Betsey was a strong and loving woman who cherished her family dearly. She leaves behind a rich legacy and will be dearly missed. Betsey is survived by her two sons and two daughters, Howard Nixon Jr, Ellen Nixon and husband Richard Mancuso, Sheila Nixon, Tim Nixon and wife Lisa Sansone, along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, plus two imminently expected additions. Betsey was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Howard J. Nixon Sr., and their son, David J. Nixon. Their memories will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who loved them.

Betsey graduated from her hometown Sayville High School and from Dean Junior College in Franklin, MA, where she met the love of her life, Howie Sr., a star swimmer and “the boy in the yellow sneakers.” She also attended the New York School for Interior Design. Betsey inherited an artistic talent and an eye for the aesthetic from her father, a renowned commercial artist and successful author. And at every stage in her life, she applied her artistic talent and skill with interior design to beautify the world around her. Betsey passed along her love of gardening, knitting, quilting and other artistic endeavors to her children and grandchildren.

Although Betsey dedicated her life to being a stay-at-home mom, she also successfully managed two small businesses. She owned and operated The House of Flowers shop in Naugatuck and later ran a Needlepoint Art business called Port Designs in Kennebunkport, Maine.

In their leisure time, Betsey and Howie enjoyed spending summers at their beloved seaside home in Kennebunkport, Maine, which they purchased in 1978. She cherished these moments, developed new lifelong friendships and created countless memories with her family and friends. Betsey also enjoyed keeping her mind sharp solving daily crossword puzzles and following the UCONN Women's basketball program with Howie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 1st, at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street in Naugatuck, CT. Those attending are asked to please meet directly at church. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours and arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust https://www.kporttrust.org/donate-1. Your generosity will help preserve and protect the natural beauty that Betsey held dear. Her family also wishes to thank all the staff at the Lutheran Home of Southbury for the loving care they provided Betsey.

Betsey Beebe (Smith) Nixon will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, a more beautified world, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her cherished summers in Kennebunkport. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.