Lamoine, ME – Elizabeth (Bette) Watts Garrett passed away at home in Lamoine, Maine, on January 2, 2026, following a short illness.
Bette was born on June 28, 1934, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and was the only child of Dr. George B. Watts and Helen Johnson Watts. She attended parochial schools in Davidson, NC, graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon, and attended Wooster College before matriculating from Alleghany College in 1955. In 1956, she married Michael F. Garrett, who predeceased her in 2011. They have five children.
Bette loved to swim. In addition to swimming laps five days a week into her ’70’s, she also ensured her five children became competitive swimmers. In the 1960s and 70s, she joined her husband as co-leaders in the development of local swim teams in Concord.
She was a passionate and lifelong advocate for animals, both wild and domestic. She served for many years on the board of the Concord SPCA and dedicated countless hours to its mission. She also supported organizations and causes that seek to protect wildlife and their habitats, most lately -locally- through support for the wild animal rehabilitation organization, Acadia Wildlife Center.
Throughout her life Bette loved to travel. She visited all over Europe, Alaska, Dominica, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. But her favorite trips were a nod to her passion for elephants and wild dogs. These were her multiple safaris to the countries of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana.
Bette leaves her five children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Christopher (wife Ann and sons Ryerson [son Austin] and Brendan), Patrick, Cameron, Merrill, and Carter (wife Karen and daughters Riley and Avery).
She specifically requests no service be held. Memorial donations should be made to the Acadia Wildlife Center, 49 Black Dog Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 www.acadiawildlife.org
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