Betty Jane Roraback

MIDDLEFIELD - Betty Jane Roraback, 79, of 43 Stowe Street, died Thursday, June 16, 2005, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. She was the wife of the late James W. Roraback. Betty was born in Meriden, Nov. 25, 1925, the daughter of the late John and Arline Goddard Gerschefski. She was a 1943 graduate of Meriden High School and attended the Leland Powers School of Theatre in Boston. Betty was a civil service volunteer during WW II, keeping a lookout for enemy planes from Castle Craig in Meriden. After marriage and moving to Middlefield in 1960, Betty devoted her life to being a loving wife, homemaker and mother to her five children. She enjoyed fashion, cosmetic jewelry, reading, television, vacationing in the Berkshires and shopping. She is survived by four daughters, Diane Bussolini of East Hampton, Sally Vanesse of Farmington, Kim Roraback of Littleton, NH and Gay Mulligan of Simsbury; a son, James Roraback of Middlefield; a sister, Barbara Kuchalla of Meriden; and six grandchildren, Kara, Gina, Lauren, Nathan, Aidan and Colin. She was predeceased by a brother, Jack Gerschefski. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Meriden. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Beecher and Bennett Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. If desired, contributions in Betty's memory may be made to St. Andrew Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 20 Catlin St., Meriden, CT 06450.