Elizabeth (Betty) Hatch Henrikson, nee Wight passed away on April 20th, 2021, in Savannah, Georgia.

Born in New York City on July 23, 1925, Betty and her younger brother, John B. Wight, grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, raised by their loving parents, Dorothy A. Booth and Goulding K. Wight.

She fondly remembered Montclair as a wonderful town, experiencing a happy and secure childhood. Among her vivid recollections were summer family visits to Martha’s Vineyard Island, Massachusetts, sailing up Long Island Sound on the old Fall River Line, transferring at New Bedford to the classic steamers, “Martha’s Vineyard” or “Nantucket,” and disembarking at Oak Bluffs, so thrilled to be back on the island. It was the place that would leave an indelible imprint throughout her long life.

Following graduation from Montclair High School, Betty attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. It was wartime, the early 1940s. One summer was spent working with a college unit of the Women’s Land Army in Maine, helping local farmers harvest their crops – a way to contribute to the “war effort.” This served as an inspiration for Betty who enjoyed her own productive vegetable and flower gardens throughout her life.

In July 1944, Betty met a naval aviator, Lt. Howard Henrikson, returning from Pacific combat and reassigned to a TBM Avenger (Torpedo Bomber – General Motors) squadron at the Naval Air Station on the Vineyard. Little did they know then what an important role this lovely island would play in their lives. Howard would soon return to Pacific combat, and Betty to college. Thankfully, the following year, the war was over.

Married in 1945, they lived several years in Providence, Rhode Island, where their first son, Robert was born. With sons, Richard and John joining the family, a relocation to Windsor, Connecticut followed, where Howard worked in real estate, appraisal and building management in Hartford.

In 1960, a tragic automobile accident took the lives of Betty’s brother, John, and his lovely wife, Harriet. Their three young children, Susan, Jack, and Douglas, joined the Henrikson clan. Busy years followed with a vigorous family life. As time permitted, Betty engaged in volunteer activities, including working at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and on the boards of Family Service Society and Hartford Symphony Auxiliary. Free time was enjoyed with family and friends playing tennis and alpine skiing throughout northern New England.

In 1980, Betty and Howard retired to their beloved Vineyard, returning “home,” having enjoyed a month each summer there during their family’s young years. In retirement, they spent many wonderful and fulfilling times with new friendships and associations. They frequently traveled and were fortunate to experience many interesting and exotic countries around the world, as well as visits to their far-flung family members. Highlights of travel for Betty included all seven continents, including Antarctica, Bhutan in the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Howard passed away in 2002, and in 2004, Betty moved to Savannah to be closer to her daughter and husband, Susan, and Bob Craddock. New friendships kept life vital, and she continued to always enjoy her tennis.

In all, Betty felt blessed in her long life with a loving family and her many dear friendships. She is survived by her adoring family, Robert W. Henrikson (Devi Jacobs) of Richmond Point, California; Susan W. Craddock (Rich Matos) of Savannah, Georgia; Richard A. (Maggie) Henrikson of Laguna Beach, California; John B. Wight of Seattle, Washington; John E. Henrikson of Oakville, Washington; and Douglas D. Wight (Andrea Blunt) of Poland, Maine; and seven grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler, and Calvin Wight; Nicholas and Erik Henrikson; and Alanna and Livia Wight.

Betty would like to thank the dedicated staff and caregivers of The Marshes and The Oaks, whom she considered friends, for supporting her during her later years.

Interment will be on Martha’s Vineyard at Oak Grove Cemetery, Vineyard Haven, next to Howard. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Federated Church in Edgartown, Massachusetts, or to the Skidaway United Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Georgia, 31411.