Elizabeth C. Anderson

Elizabeth “Betty” C. (Hlavka) Anderson, 94, of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 4, 2023 at Midstate Medical Center. She was the loving wife of the late Robert W. Anderson Jr., who proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. Betty resided in her cherished home in Southington for over 68 years.

Elizabeth was born in Plantsville, CT on November 19, 1928, one of 9 children, to the late John and Josephine (Dzurana) Hlavka. Betty’s family emigrated from Czechoslovakia and she was born in the United States. Betty had many fond memories from growing up on her family’s farm. She loved animals and had to milk a cow with her youngest brother, Michael, one time! She enjoyed the summers she spent swimming at Rocky Bottom with her siblings and at a young age, she traveled to Hartford with her sister for training to become a skilled caregiver. Betty’s nurturing nature made her an excellent caregiver and throughout her lifetime she took care of many of her family members.

Betty was proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and worked as a collector for the First Ladies Catholic Slovak Association. In addition to her job as a caregiver, she also worked at Alsops and as a Notary.

Betty met her future husband Robert at the Manor Inn restaurant in Southington and they had 2 children, Robert and Christine. “A mother’s heart is a garden of love.” Betty and Bob shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before he predeceased her in 2007.

Betty will be remembered for her heartwarming smile and the way she could light up a room. She was very social and enjoyed talking with everyone. Her home was warm and welcoming and her kitchen was always open. “Wherever you wander, wherever you roam, be happy and glad to come home.” Betty enjoyed cooking and was known for the best potato salad that she would bring to every family picnic. She also made fantastic spaghetti and meatballs and delicious potato pancakes.

Betty always loved being outdoors, letting the sun shine down on her face and breathing in the fresh air, whether it be sitting outside on her front stoop, taking walks with her daughter around the neighborhood or going for rides to the beach. She also enjoyed taking trips in her car, shopping and visiting with friends.

Betty looked forward to traveling with her family, especially to Cape Cod, Florida and one of her favorite trips, Margarita Island in Venezuela.

“Family is where life begins and love never ends.” Elizabeth is survived by her son, Robert W. Anderson III of Edgewater, FL and daughter, Christine Anderson and her husband Thomas Macklosky of Burlington, one grandson, Trenton J. Anderson of Plantsville and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Robert, Betty was predeceased by 4 sisters, Estelle Dearduff, Margaret Gierymski, Eleanor Hlavka and Helene Thomas and 4 brothers, Joseph, Stephen, John and Michael Hlavka. She was honored to be a 3-star sister, supporting her brothers, Joe, Stephen and Michael as U.S. Army Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901. (Www.dementiasociety.org)

A graveside service will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, February 10, 2023 at St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.