Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Huckabee

Elizabeth (Bette) Ann Kollra Huckabee, age 81, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Scranton, PA on March 28, 1942, she was the daughter of the late William and Marie Winwood Kollra. Bette grew up in Bridgeport but spent many summers in Scranton with her Grandmother that left her with many fond memories that she often shared with us. She attended Notre Dame Catholic High School, Southern CT State College and the University of Bridgeport where she obtained her Master’s Degree. 

Bette had a happy, successful career as an educator. She began teaching Third Grade and then gradually shifted her interests to Adult Education. She spent many days and nights helping adults obtain their GED through ESL and NEDP and was also given the opportunity to travel and meet educators from all over the country. She often shared pictures and stories from her San Diego trips. Bette loved to sing. She was a member of the WICC Singing Sweethearts in the ‘70’s and later The Harmonettes where she was known as “Bette Baritone”. She spent a few years as a music teacher at Assumption School in Fairfield where her children attended.  

Bette was very religious and volunteered as a Eucharist Minister and Bible School instructor. She felt so blessed to have met Mother Theresa and hold her hand. She enjoyed sharing that special story and pictures. She was involved with the Historic District, dabbled in local politics and was the facilitator for the Renew group for divorcées for over 20 years.  

In her beautiful home (she called her castle), she was very proud of her childhood dollhouse and would show everyone that came to visit. She enjoyed collecting teddy bears and bumblebees and had quite the collection.  

Bette will be sadly missed by her beloved children Tim Huckabee and husband Martin of New York, Tammy Kuroghlian and husband Jeff of Trumbull, Terri Huckabee of New York, and Tiffany Piacentini and husband Joe of Branford, her three adored grandchildren Matthew, Caroline, and Jack Kuroghlian. She was predeceased by her former husband and friend, Henry R. Huckabee.  

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Hartford Healthcare Independence At Home for their dedication and care. Especially Nana, who we called our angel sent to help our mother. Also, thank you to the nurses at Connecticut Hospice. Their caring guidance helped us take care of our mother in her final weeks in her home. 

Rest in peace mom, WE LOVE YOU MORE!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.