WINSLOW – Betty M. Perry, 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 15, 2021, surrounded by family and friends, listening to the opening of her beloved TV show, “THIS. IS. JEOPARDY!” She was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y., on Oct. 30, 1920, the daughter of the late Floyd and Lu Sharlow, of Livermore Falls, Maine, and Florida. Her father moved the family to Livermore Falls, where he was employed at the International Paper Mill Company. After graduating from Livermore Falls High School, she attended beauty school in Portland but decided after two years that she wanted to attend college to become a teacher.She received her degree in Education from the University of Maine. While at college, she met the love of her life Harry J. Perry, whom she married in 1943. They lived in Rumford, where Harry owned a garage, an airport, and the Rumford Wild Animal Park and where Betty taught school for 25 years. During this time, Betty was the first woman elected to the Rumford Police Commission. She also belonged to the Rumford Teachers Association, Maine Education Association, and the National Education Association, and she served as a literacy volunteer, among many other volunteering activities.Many summers, she and Harry would spend time together on their boat, The Gem Dandy, at Boothbay Harbor. While there, she tutored and worked at Gimbel’s during the week when Harry went back to Rumford to attend business. When they retired, they moved to Winslow to be near their two daughters. Betty taught at the Goodwill Hinkley Averill School for three years and then at Winslow High School for another two years. She loved teaching and said it was fun to go to school. She was an avid reader, sometimes reading a book a day over the weekend, and she served as a trustee of the Winslow Public Library for over 18 years. She was also a bridge fan, although she said her husband was a much better player than she. As Director of the Waterville Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Club, she ran the duplicate game for many years. She loved her “Bridge Group,” always saying that everyone there was special and that they were the best people in the world. Betty also served as President of the Waterville Auxiliary and volunteered at the Waterville Hospice. She was never at a loss for something to do. Betty loved her family. She was predeceased by her parents Floyd and Lu Sharlow; and her husband Harry, who died in 2009. They were married for 65 years. She is survived by her children Vicki Perry (and daughter Hannah) and Bonnie-Lou Stone (and husband Ken); her brother Gerald Sharlow (and her niece and nephew Renee and Duane); her grandchildren Rocky Johnson (and wife Jennifer, with daughter Ashley); Jodie-Ann Averill (and husband Steve, with three children Ally, Jonah, and Zoe); Penny Hobby (and husband Daryl, with two children Brooke and Stone).Special thanks to Gabriele Rice, whom she loved and enjoyed many good times together; Leon and Barbara Duff, who were wonderful watching out for her weekly; Debbie Hutchins, who was her best sounding board; the love and care of Amber Bigelow; and many good friends who all made Betty so happy. In keeping with Betty’s wishes, no service will be held. She will be buried at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at 143 Blue Star Avenue (from Civic Center Drive), Augusta, Maine, Section CN, Row 34, Site 8. Special thank you to the wonderful care providers of the Physical Rehabilitation Unit at MaineGeneral Medical Center for the excellent care. Betty loved her family and her brother Gerald Sharlow. With sadness the family announces the passing of Betty, but as she said, “100+ years is long enough!”Those who wish to honor her may donate to:Winslow Public Library114 Benton Ave.Winslow, MEwhich was dear to her heart and to:Muskie Community Center at Spectrum Generations Muskie Community Center38 Gold St. Box 207Waterville, ME

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