It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Best. She passed away at her home in Kennebunk while surrounded with love and her family by her side on Sept. 9, 2021. She succumbed to pancreatic cancer. She was in her 87th year.
Betty was born on Jan. 27, 1934, in Somerville, Massachusetts. She met her husband, Gary Reardon Best, while living outside of Boston. They were married at the chapel on Tufts University where Gary received his undergraduate education. The young couple traveled the world while Gary was in the Air Force, including several years in Japan and Hawaii.
After her husband’s military service ended, they lived in Pennsylvania where their first child, Heidi, was born and then they moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where their second child, Gary, was born. Life then brought Betty and her family to Kennebunk in 1972, where she has lived ever since.
Betty’s professional career was diverse, including positions at the State of Maine’s Department of Labor, Unemployment Office in Biddeford and at the Copper Candle Store in Kennebunkport.
She enjoyed playing bridge, visiting local restaurants with a group of women known as the “Dinner Belles,” and spending time with her family.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Heidi Esancy; her son, Gary Best II; her grandson, Andrew Esancy; her granddaughter, Charlotte Esancy; and her grandson, Nathaniel Best.
A viewing will be held Monday, Sept. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at South Congregational Church, 2 North St., Kennebunkport. Friends are asked to wear a mask at all indoor services. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Betty “Neenie” Best in support of the Dempsey Center by sponsoring her son’s Dempsey Challenge Team “Remembering Neenie.” The Dempsey Center has been a source of strength and support for our family during this difficult time. Donations can be made by following the link: https://do.nr/cd9c9y.
Or donations can be made to help Hospice of Southern Maine, another organization that provided much support to Betty during her illness at 390 Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or donate online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/give.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit ‘s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.
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