Bettye Kramer Cannizzo passed peacefully on 26 April in Huntsville. Predeceased by her husband Walter (2010), she is survived by two daughters, three granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren.
Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on February 28, 1924, she left the University of Southern Mississippi to work for the Illinois Central Railroad in Hattiesburg during WWII.
She married Walter Cannizzo on May 30, 1946, beginning a life-long partnership. With each of many moves, Bettye made friends easily, joined a local church, undertook volunteer work and established a garden.
An award-winning poet, her poems were published in various journals. Her collection on Scotland, The Wind Remembers, was Alabama State Poetry Society’s 2004 Book of the Year.
Bettye was grateful for the loving care she received while at Columbia Cottage, Hartselle, and Brookshire Healthcare Center, Huntsville.
A private ceremony was held at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur with Pastor Gary Soop officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutheran World Relief or Alacare Home Health Hospice.
