1 Photo
Betty Cromwell
Betty Belle Cromwell of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on August 1 at Southampton Hospital of complications from a recent stroke. She was 85.
Born December 10, 1924, on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation to Pauline (née Smith) and Madison Lewis, her appropriately chosen Indian name was “Princess Smiling Face,” as family said she was always smiling.
She attended the Little Schoolhouse on Shinnecock, where she was a student of Princess Nowedonah, whom she often referred to as the backbone of her strength. She graduated from Isaac E. Young High School in New Rochelle and earned a typist’s certificate from Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. In the 1950s, she worked as a telephone operator for New York Telephone Company, where she remained for 18 years. She also worked as a scanner in the physicists’ department at Columbia University for five years.
In 1969, she married Howard William Cromwell. Inseparable as incontestable soul-mates, family said, the couple spent more than 40 years sharing unforgettable moments and memories. They made the most of their life together traveling across the United States and to numerous countries around the world including Mexico, Canada, and twice to Northern Africa and Spain, to name a few. But despite living in New York City, survivors said, and travelling quite extensively, Ms. Cromwell’s heart was always on the Shinnecock Reservation where she and her husband eventually settled.
She attended Southampton College and served as a teacher’s aide for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Then, drawing on her education and motivational spirit, she began working for the Shinnecock Indian Nation in many capacities. For more than a decade she served as project director for the Shinnecock Community Employment Program, helping many tribal members find employment on the East End. She also served as the budget and finance chairperson for the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church; donated her time to the Shinnecock Cultural Coalition; and served as a member of the Shinnecock Nation Tribal Council. In addition, she was an integral part of the development of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum and was a devoted member of the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church Choir.
As an active senior citizen and enthusiastic Elder of Shinnecock, she continuously contributed to what she felt was her most important asset: her community. Despite her advancing years, she was devoted to the Shinnecock Indian Nation and proudly contributed her time and love to her family and community, survivors said.
According to the family, she had an incredible zest for life and believed in the power of being a positive, humble, and courageous person. Her gracious and warm presence was noted by all who spoke with her, family added, saying that her pride was founded in her love for Shinnecock, evident in her thoughtful ways and shining in her beautiful smile. Her remarkable spirit inspired many, they said, especially those closest to her.
She is survived by her husband, Howard; a daughter in-law, Gaby Douglas; three grandsons, Binh, Eric, and Hai; a granddaughter, Christina; and a niece, Wendy. She was predeceased by a son, LeRoy “Chipper” Douglas, and an older sister, Nancy Woodson, who died while in her early 20s.
Visitation was scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, August 5, at noon at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Shinnecock Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 5011, Southampton, NY 11969-5011 would be appreciated by the family.
on Aug 5, 2010