Lifelong Princeton resident Gloria Elizabeth Wright dies at 101

Gloria Elizabeth “Bettie” Wright, 101, of Princeton, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Penn Medicine Princeton Hospital Hospice Unit.

Born in Princeton, Bettie was a lifelong resident of the town. She was the middle child of seven born to Henry B. Warren and Olive Kinsey Warren. This raucous and gleeful home environment helped shape her compassion and playfulness.

Bettie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Albert Wright; and her siblings Richard, Doris, Russell, Milicent, Lois, and Sallie. She is survived by her son, Christopher Wright, and his wife, Karen; her daughter, Phyllis Wright; her grandchildren Dawn, Chris Jr., Justin, and Timothy; her great-grandchildren Ethan, Justin Jr., Catie, Stephen, Austin, Chase, Allie, and Riley; and her niece Susan Cimerola, and nephews Bruce, Robert, and Todd Meneely.

Bettie’s life was rich with love. Her family, friends, and neighbors remember her as a kind, generous, and gentle woman. She was an artist whose college education was shortened by World War II and the need for women to join the war effort. For her part, she made parachutes. Over the 11 decades she lived through many changes but remained steady in her love of faith, family, and community. Bettie worked as an associate at Princeton Bank for 19 years, now PNC Bank.

She loved to walk and enjoyed the town of Princeton. She was a lover of animals and supported many causes throughout her lifetime. As an active member of the Princeton Getaway Club, she and her husband, Albert, enjoyed many international and regional trips. She also spent many years as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Hook and Ladder Fire Company, where Albert served as a volunteer firefighter. Bettie was an avid reader, artist, crafter, furniture restorer, sewer, and knitter. She loved the thrill of the hunt at garage and estate sales, where she purchased most of her teapot collection. For the past two-plus years, she lived at Artis Senior Living of Princeton Junction, where her smiles and morning walks through the grounds cheered many.

The family thanks all of Mom’s angels here on earth — you know who you are.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. at a local restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bettie’s name may be made to SAVE or the Princeton Rescue Squad.