Ella Elizabeth (Hooper) Speglevin, age 82 of Danbury, died peacefully, Monday, March 6, 2017 at her home surrounded by her children.

Ella was born March 20, 1934 in Danbury, daughter of the late N. Thompson and Ella (Loewe) Hooper, and lovingly called “Betty” from childhood.  She grew up on Starrs Plain Rd. and often shared many fond memories of horseback riding, tending her bunnies, collecting fresh eggs, knitting and reading every book she possible could.

Betty attended Danbury Public Schools, Syracuse University and Western Connecticut State College before meeting the love of her life, Benjamin S. Speglevin.  Betty and Ben married in 1957 and started their own family, raising six children who forever became Betty’s greatest source of pride and joy:  Bunny, Benny, Merry, Joey, Jill and Chantal…they were her life.

Betty was a faithful wife, adoring mother, loving sister and sister-in-law, wonderful aunt and cousin, friendly neighbor and a good friend to everyone she met. Her favorite place in the world was her kitchen table where she welcomed everyone who entered her home with fresh coffee and tea, something just-home-baked and the best conversations. She was an amazing cook, fabulous entertainer, exceptional homemaker, intelligent conversationalist, humorous story-teller, competitive Yahtzee player, avid reader, compassionate friend, gentle pet owner and caring nurse to her husband and children and any living creature that they brought home. She enjoyed watching Channel 8 News, Dancing with the Stars, the Olympics, Ice Skating competitions, and Nascar racing. Betty loved the color blue, doing crossword puzzles, playing games with her grandchildren, tending her flower gardens, feeding and watching her backyard birds, and spending time with her family and friends.  Family was everything to Betty - she always had to know that everyone was alright, never missed a Birthday, and her home and table welcomed family and friends with the bounty of her delicious fare for every Holiday and Super Bowl.

Betty will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends, though she will be sadly missed...”Bye for now”. 

She is survived by her children: Benjamin S. Speglevin, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Brookfield, Merry C. LaRoche and her husband Kevin, Joseph N. Speglevin and his wife Debra, Jill E. Austin and her partner Nicole all of Danbury, and Chantal E. Detlefs and her husband James of South Salem, NY. She also leaves nine grandchildren: Christopher, James, Justin, Nicole, Kyle, Melissa, Taylor, Eric and Benjamin. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter:  Barbara “Bunny” Gradasso and her husband Robert.

In keeping with her wishes, there are no calling hours and burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Regional Hospice and Home Care, 30 Milestone Rd, Danbury, CT 06810 would be appreciated. 

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