ELIZABETH “LIZ” ST. AMOUR SMITH

NEW HAVEN — Elizabeth “Liz” St. Amour Smith went to the Lord and her son Chas on Thursday, April 24, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Essex Center, Vt., on Feb. 26, 1939, to Arthur and Sarah (Hulburt) St. Amour. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Liz, or Betty, to some, was separated from her siblings and relocated to a foster home for young women in New Haven, Vt., as a teenager. She graduated from Beeman Academy and married Charles R. Smith of New Haven Mills in 1960.

She travelled to Chateauroux, France to join her husband in the Air Force. It was here that she became pregnant with her oldest child and returned to New Haven Mills when Raymond was six months old. Together, Charles and Elizabeth worked the family farm in New Haven Mills upon return from France, eventually having four children together. In order to make ends meet, they purchased a single school bus. Eventually, they sold the farm and created BET-CHA Transit, one of the largest bus businesses in Vermont, which safely delivered children throughout Addison and Rutland Counties for over 20 years. She also co-owned BET-CHA Service Center in Bristol.

Betty held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including waitressing, a discipline aid at Mt. Abraham High School, driving her own school bus, and volunteering at a variety of organizations.

A car accident killed her and Charlie’s beloved son, Chas, in 1988 and she mourned him to her last breath. Also, along with their four children, in the early 1970s, Betty and Charlie adopted a child from Seoul, Korea and called her Sarah after Liz’s mother. Unfortunately, they had become estranged and were no longer in contact with each other.

She and Charlie divorced in 1995, but she found love again in David Munger. He introduced her to the Fiddlers Club at the VFW and it became one of their favorite things to do on the weekends. David was devoted to her and took amazing care of her as her health deteriorated and until his own death in 2023. Due to failing health, Liz spent the last few years of her life at the Helen Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury, Vt., where she continued to participate in her favorite hobbies; bingo, cards, crafts, socializing, reading and visiting the hair salon to always look her best. She made many friends during her time at Helen Porter and was always appreciative of the care she received.

She is survived by her children, Raymond “Buzz” Smith and wife Jenny Gibson of Larkspur, Colo., Christine Smith and husband Robert Menzel of Plymouth, Mass., her son Keith Smith of New Haven, Vt., and her adopted daughter Sarah Smith of Burlington; her grandchildren, Samantha, Allison, Andrea, Jesse, Mariah, Chase, Retta, Chelsea, Missa and Caleb; as well as 13 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, too many to list here.

She is predeceased by her parents; her partner, David Munger; her siblings Robert St. Amour, Jean McAvoy, Connie St. Amour, and Shirly Canton; as well as her beloved son Chas.

The family wishes to thank the Helen Porter staff for all the care and attention our mother received while she was a resident.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven, Vt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send donations in her name to the Champlain Valley Fiddlers Club at the VFW in Middlebury. ◊