Elizabeth Arnold

Elizabeth K. (Kowalski) Arnold, age 77, of West Hartford, beloved wife of Richard S. Arnold, died on Friday, November 3, 2023. Born in Meriden, daughter of the late Edward and Cecile (Opalacz) Kowalski, Bette graduated with B.S. and M.S. degrees from Central Connecticut State University and spent her career with the West Hartford Public School System, as a classroom teacher and later as a curriculum specialist. She was most proud of her work at the University of Saint Joseph, where she helped develop a graduate internship partnership with the West Hartford Schools. Bette enjoyed traveling, especially with family and friends. She always valued the companionship and said it was more important than any location or food. She was a devoted, longtime communicant at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. In addition to her husband, Richard, Bette leaves behind stepsons Rick (Judith) and Woody (Cynthia) Arnold of Los Altos, CA, grandchildren Ricky, Jack, Rebekah, and Pete, her brother David (Eileen) of Middlefield, sisters Barbara (Allan) Peck of North Haven and Mary Peck of Cromwell. Additionally, she leaves her nieces Mary DeVault, Kim Kowalski, Patty Higgins, and Sara McLaughlin. Bette was proud of her extended family which included Margaret Arnold and Sally Jean (Bill) Sullivan of North and South Carolina, wonderful cousins, dear friends, and neighbors, especially Judy, Gail, and Dolores. Your encouragement and faith inspired me! And thank you to Dr. Joel Silver and his army of nurses – Sabrina, Susan, Kaylee, Lisa – goodbye my angels. “Her teaching accolades, organization skills, generosity and dignity were only exceeded by her humility and my love for her” – Richard Arnold. Funeral services will be Friday, November 17th beginning with visitation from 10:00 am – 10:55 am in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com