Elizabeth M. Markham

Elizabeth M. Markham, the daughter of James J. and Agnes V. (Manning) Markham passed away July 28, 2022. Betty was born in New Haven, October, 12, 1929. She received her B.S. in Mathematics from St. Joseph College (University of St. Joseph) in 1964. She entered the order of the Sisters of Mercy (Sister Justin Mary) and remained in the order for 25 years. She went on to graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, earning both a MS in Mathematics (1960) and a Ph.D. in Mathematics (1964). Betty’s career was in education. She taught mathematics in her early years at St. Patrick School, St. Joseph Cathedral High School, and Laurelton Hall. She also spent a year at Framingham State College as a Campus Minister. However, the majority of her career was spent as a member of the faculty at her alma mater, University of St. Joseph. She spent fourteen years as Assistant, Associate Professor and in 1981 was appointed Professor and Chair of the Mathematics Department where she continued until her retirement in 1999. Betty was a member of many mathematical professional organizations, most notably, the Mathematics Association of America where she served as the college representative for the northeast region. She was an avid supporter of women’s rights and roles in higher education, was a member of the American Association of University Women, Society of Women Engineers and was on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Research Institute. In her leisure time, Betty played the harmonica, enjoyed crossword puzzles and political debate. Betty loved her dogs, Maggie and MiMi and spent many hours in their company. In the summer, she enjoyed vacations in Eastham with her siblings. She loved to travel and often was accompanied by her sister, Sister Claire. Her voyages took her all over the world. She is predeceased by sisters; Jean and Sister Claire and brothers; James, Charles and Richard. Betty is survived by her sister-in-law, Rosemary Markham, of Orange, also a nephew, Richard Markham Jr., and nieces, Catherine Keene, Maureen Markham, Lisa Markham and their families, and her close friend, Suzanne Carter. The funeral will take place at Connor Chapel of Our Lady, University of St Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave, W. Hartford on Friday August 5th at 10:00 A.M. Burial to be held at a later date. Betty would want those attending to wear comfortable attire. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center.