Elizabeth “Betty” Kraszewski of Water Mill died on January 6, 2019. She was 85.
Born on October 4, 1933, in Sag Harbor to Gladys and Arthur Browngardt, she was one of eight children. After graduating from Pierson High School in 1950 she entered Southampton Hospital’s School of Nursing, graduating on September 5, 1953. She continued to work part time while her children were young. In 1970 she started working full time, eventually retiring as the head nurse of Southampton Hospital’s North 2 wing in 1996.
In 1955 she married Henry Kraszewski, who she met while in nursing school. They moved to Water Mill where they raised their four children.
Survivors said that with her upbeat personality and positive attitude she attracted many friends. She seemed to know everyone and they knew her too. To quote her grandchildren “wherever we go, Gam seems to know someone and stops to chat.” She cared about people and took the time to listen, offer advice and lend a hand when needed. She loved reading, traveling, and the Red Hats group.
Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, she is survived by her children and grandchildren, Henry Jr. and wife Lynne, and their children, Kristin and Henry III of Water Mill; Timothy and wife Karen, and their children, Steven and Emma of Water Mill; Susanne Wesnofske and husband Richard, and their children, Andrew of Water Mill, Richard Jr. of Queens, and Emily of Georgia, GA; and Marianne Bakewicz and husband Bill, and their children, Jonathan, wife Crystal, and Justin, all of Rocky Point.
A funeral Mass took place on January 11 at Our Lady Of Poland Church, followed by interment at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, stjude.org.