Obituary: Beth Hartley Haugeto, 79, Of Newtown

Information and Photo Courtesy Honan Funeral Home

NEWTOWN, CT — Beth Hartley Haugeto, 79, passed away on Jan. 24, 2024. The daughter of the late Frances L. Patrick and Donald T. Hartley and stepdaughter to Charles W. Patrick, Beth was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Clifford Scott High School, then attended Hood Junior College, and later graduated from Eastern Michigan University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in education.

She married the love of her life, Grunde Robert (Bob) Haugeto, on Aug. 28, 1966, and together they raised five daughters, Noelle, Kirstin, Patricia, Karen and Megan, in Hampton Township, NJ. She was a loving mother and wife, taking care of the home, especially landscape design and gardening, cooking, and finances.

Beth went on to complete a Master's Degree in special education from Jersey City State College. She was a special education teacher in Newton, NJ Public Schools, working at Merriam Avenue Elementary School for many years. She even obtained a CDL license that enabled her to take her students on field trips that enriched their lives.

The focus of her life was giving to others and supporting her family and friends. Beth volunteered with many community organizations, including the Junior Women’s Club, leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troops and 4-H clubs and serving on their school’s PTA and Board of Education. She worked tirelessly to support children’s literacy, serving on the NJ Reading Council as well as other groups.

During retirement, Beth thoroughly enjoyed her eight grandchildren, supporting their many sports and activities and taking them on special trips. In recent years, Beth and Bob moved to Newtown to be closer to their Connecticut family. A lifelong learner, she also became a UCONN Huskies women’s basketball team fan and enjoyed sharing player news, scores and stats with her family.

With a strong interest in genealogy, she recently authored a family history book which helped her connect with a widespread family, including the Haywards and the Hartleys from Fredonia, NY.

Beth is survived by her husband Bob, her daughters Noelle (married to Timothy Cooper, daughters Hannah and Elise), Kirstin, Patricia (married to John Pavol, daughter Jenna), Karen (married to Michael Hoyack, sons Andrew and Benjamin, daughter Claire), and Megan (married to Gregory Fonder, sons Alexander and Bradley). She is also survived by her sisters, Diane Danley, Joanne Fitzgerald and Jane McDonnell. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ann’s Place, which provided Beth with invaluable cancer support at www.annsplace.org/donate. A celebration of Beth’s life will be held this spring in Newtown.