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Betty D. Christensen, longtime resident of North Guilford, passed away July 9 at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown. Betty was born in New Haven on Oct. 14, 1934, daughter of the late Peter DeSimone and Madeline (Cavanna) DeSimone.

She was the loving mother of H. David Christensen and his wife Donna of Northford, E. Lori Gregan of Deep River, and P. Cody Christensen and his wife Betsy of North Guilford. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Cody Jr., Madeline, Tyler, Ned, Oliver, Augustus, Lyza, and Elizabeth; eight great-grandchildren, and one soon to arrive; and a sister, JoAnn D Souchuns (Tom) of Wallingford. She was predeceased by sister Rita Catapano.

Before retirement, Betty had worked as an account’s manager for Jordan International and for many years for Bernice’s Restaurant in Guilford. Betty’s life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and countless friends. She supported all she met in whatever passion they choose. From countless baseball and football games and of course rodeos where she loved watching her sons and grandchildren competing. When her daughter chose to be an exchange student, she then adopted her Brazilian family and beloved son Fabiano Canrerio of Sorocaba Brasil, hosting countless family members in her home, and traveling there many times. Betty also loved astrology and studied it for many years, to the point the first question when she met you was, when is your birthday, and what time you were born. Many times, you would receive a call… Mercury is in retrograde do not sign anything. We will remember her always with her door open and her coffee pot on, ready to hear your story, and help you be who you need to be. She will be greatly missed, and we are sure when you hear the song, “I did It My Way,” it is her guiding you forward.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. Friends are invited to a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, at Northford Cemetery, 112 Foote Hill Road, Northford. A celebration with the family will follow. Contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.