Obituaries

Betty Ann Hagerman

Betty Ann Hagerman

Betty Ann Hagerman, 95½, passed away peacefully Friday, April 21, at her home in Southold.

She was born to Betty Sowry Hagerman and Earl Payne Hagerman on July 23, 1921, at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport. After graduating Southold High School in 1939, she enrolled in Hunter College in New York City where she received her teaching degree. Her long teaching career began in Spanish Harlem and later Ozone Park. In 1967 she finally moved back home to Southold, when her application for the kindergarten position was accepted. There she helped in the development of her precious 5-year-olds she loved so dearly.

Betty spent much of her time at the Southold Methodist Church where she ran the art show every summer on the front lawn, as well as the annual roast beef dinner in the church’s dining hall. Twice a week she volunteered at the “Glory Hole,” the church’s basement thrift shop. Other activities included helping at the “Founders Follies” shows at Southold High School and volunteering with the Head Start Program. She was also a member of the local Eastern Star Chapter.

Her love of travel carried her all over the globe during the summer months when school was closed, and again after retirement.

Known to her family and others as “Aunt Bet,” she was an eleventh generation Southolder of the Payne family, who arrived in Southold in 1637. Thomas Payne of Wrentham, England purchased the vessel “Mary Ann” and with her crew and 75 of their family and friends, they fled England in 1635, carrying with them the Rev. John Youngs and his family.

“Aunt Bet” will be remembered for her quick wit, fierce independence, occasional stubornness and a laugh that was more of a snort than giggle. She was a diehard Yankees fan. She joked when she turned 80 that it was time to again start adding half-years to her age as she did as a child.

Predeceased by her brother, Kenneth Hagerman and half-sister, Janet Sniffen, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Hagerman, three nieces, two nephews, seven great-nieces and great-nephews and four great-greats with 2 more on the way.

 A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Burial will take place at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Southold.

Memorial donations may be made to the North Fork United Methodist Church or Southold Free Library.

This is a paid notice.