Elizabeth Carleton (Thomas) Sweitzer, 87, of Wayland, Mass., and summer resident of Christmas Cove, died on April 2. She was the beloved and loving wife for 64 years of Harry Frederick “Skip” Sweitzer Jr., a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and grandmother, a dear friend to many, and an asset to her community.
Betty was born in New York City, N.Y. on March 9, 1928, the daughter of the late Charles Carroll Thomas and Miriam (Smith) Thomas. She spent her formative years in New York and New Haven, Conn., and has been a resident of Wayland, Mass. for over 54 years. She received her BA from Smith College in 1950 and remained a loyal and engaged alumna throughout her life, editing her class newsletter until very recently. She was an accomplished artist in both oil and watercolors, painting still lifes and landscapes; her paintings are exhibited at the Wayland Public Library, First Parish of Wayland and the Carriage House in Wayland.
She and her husband have been active members of the First Parish Unitarian Church of Wayland and she was especially proud of her efforts to help the church become a Welcoming Congregation. Betty spent countless hours involved in the affairs of the Town of Wayland. She was active on the library board for many years and was one of the original citizens who worked diligently to establish the Recycling Program for the town. She was a patron of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and volunteered her time there as well.
Betty enjoyed summers with her family in Christmas Cove – a long-standing tradition that was established by her great-grandfather. She was devoted to the work of the Christmas Cove Improvement Association that continues to maintain the character of the area.
Betty was predeceased by her sister, Cathleen Thomas; and brother, Charles Carroll Thomas Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Skip; son, H. Frederick Sweitzer III and wife Martha Sandefer of West Suffield, Conn.; daughter, Sally Sweitzer and partner Britt Howe of Maynard, Mass.; grandson, T. Frederick Sweitzer-Howe, the apple of her eye; and a great many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life was held May 9 at the First Parish Unitarian Church, Wayland Center, Mass.
Interment at the convenience of her family will be held at a later date at the Sweitzer – Thomas family lot in the Harrington Meeting House Cemetery in Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-3278.
For online condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland.
