Elizabeth Mihaly

Elizabeth "Betty" Mihaly, 85, of West Hartford, CT and formerly Somerville, NJ went home peacefully to the Lord and the loving embrace of her beloved husband Paul, February 4, 2012. Born Elizabeth Fay Cleland, August 1, 1926 in Hartford, CT, Betty met the love of her life Paul P. Mihaly, Jr., at the Osprey in Manasquan on the Jersey shore. They married May 10, 1950 and built and made their happy home on Washington Place in Somerville, NJ. They enjoyed close friendships with neighbors and had the pleasure of living next to Paul's brother and his family. Five years later, in accordance with Betty's plan, their first son, David Paul was born. She left her job as a legal secretary to stay home with David and three years later Kevin was born. Betty was a devoted mother and wife. Her home was where neighborhood children would stop in and be assured a cookie and lemonade. Nieces, nephews and friends often sought Betty's wise counsel. She was a good listener, diplomatic and sage. She was always happy to enjoy a cup of coffee and chat and she generously shared recipes and taught several nieces to bake and cook. When both sons were in school, Betty began her employment as personal assistant to businessman and author Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, Jr. for whom she worked for more than 35 years. She enjoyed the friendship formed between the Mihaly and Frelinghuysen families. Betty and Paul were blessed with two daughters-in-love and three grandchildren; Dara Cheyenne of Los Angeles, born to David and loved by David's wife Shayla, both of San Francisco, CA; and Ryan Paul and Sean Salvatore, born to Kevin and Rose, all of Avon, CT. With these relations, Betty also became known as G.Ma, Nana, Mother M and MaMihaly. Betty and Paul loved travelling and visiting California and Connecticut. Many weekends were taken in at Point Pleasant. The annual trips to Wildwood and Cape May were treasured as were vacations on LBI with children and grandchildren. Betty and Paul celebrated a romantic 50th anniversary in Maui prior to Paul's death 7 months later in January 2001. Betty was ambivalent about life after Paul, yet she thrived and spoke often of her love for life. She also loved the Yankees and pro tennis, especially Roger Federer and cherished her small circle of dear friends representing various parts of life. She was grateful for the new friends she made at The McCauley where she lived since 2009. A beautiful heart-centered woman, grounded in spirituality and pragmatism, Betty's life came full circle departing in Hartford where she was born. We will celebrate Betty's life on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at noon at Holy Family Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road West, West Hartford, CT. If you wish to, donate to the charity of your choice in Betty's memory. Further details and a guest book are available at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Elizabeth Mihaly

August 1, 1926 - February 4, 2012