Betty Bray Moser

Betty Martiel Bray Moser, age 96, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 in Shelburne, Vermont. She was born on June 11, 1924 in Pelham, MA to Dean Whiting Bray and Dorothy Warner Bray and grew up in Amherst, MA. After graduating from high school and Northampton Commercial College, she worked at the University of Massachusetts. In 1946, Betty married Donald E. Moser, her high school sweetheart, and they moved to Providence, RI, Pittsburgh, PA, and returned to Amherst as they started their family. In 1960, the family moved to So. Burlington, Vermont. True to her early New England heritage, she developed strong family, work, and community service values. She volunteered with many organizations, several of which focused on health and opportunities for women and girls. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Burlington, performed with the Austin Handbell Choir, and gave generously of her time to the Possibility Shop and the activities of the Women’s Fellowship. She set a fine example for her children by leading a balanced life. Her sewing skills were evident in both family and teddy bear clothes, custom drapes, and after discovering the joy of quilting, in custom quilts for her grandchildren. There was always time for camping trips and outdoor adventures, especially winter picnics. Her legacy includes blonde brownies, birthday pies, 40’s melodies on the piano, and an insistence to “use it up, wear it out, and make it do.” Her family will remember her as a devoted and beloved wife, a loving mother and grandmother, an active community citizen, and one who often addressed the needs of others before her own. As empty nesters, she and Don enjoyed square dancing, golfing, UVM hockey games, and traveled to all corners of the country and to their respective family homelands of England and Switzerland. They thoroughly enjoyed summers at camp in North Hero, VT and their cottage on Baker’s Island, MA, particularly when joined by family members of all ages. Betty will be missed by many, including her children: Jeff Moser and his wife Donna, Adamant, VT, Jim Moser and his wife Susan, Ascutney, VT, and Bobbie Moser and her husband John Gordon, Milton, VT; grandchildren: Ira Moser, Leslie Howes (Josh), Katherine Quackenbush (Todd), Scott Moser (Sue White), and Elizabeth Gordon (Alex Norman); great-grandchildren: Jillian and Elliot Moser, and Penelope, Lillian, and Camille Howes; and her cousins, nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years and her brothers, Donald and Harold Bray. Her family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care and respect she received at the Arbors in Shelburne and from Bayada Home Health Care. A private service and interment will take place at the family’s convenience. There will be no visiting hours. For those who wish, contributions in her memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 38 So. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.