Elizabeth (Betty) Smith Shawcross died Wednesday, December 12, at home in Lancaster, PA, where she lived for two years with her loving husband Rear Admiral U.S. Navy Retired William H. Shawcross at Willow Valley Retirement Communities.

Born July 7, 1922, in Camden, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William Briggs and Edna (Kyle) Smith. Her brothers Earl, Wilbur and Robert Smith predeceased her.

Betty grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ, and then in Schwenksville, PA, where she went to high school. She then attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, from which she graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. She also received a teaching certification from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Upon graduation Betty worked in the Business Production Department for N.W. Ayre Advertising Agency in Philadelphia, PA. In the late 1960's she worked in The Malacology Department as an assistant to Dr. George Davis, the head of the department at The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

In 1945 Betty married Robert Skerrett Haas and joined him in his travels across the U.S. while he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, Betty and Bob moved to Philadelphia, and raised their five children in Devon and Wayne, PA, before moving to Greenwich, CT in 1971. Robert predeceased her in 1992.

After moving to Greenwich, Betty began her training in Botanical Painting and studied with Karen Brown and Katie Lee. Betty was active in The Greenwich Art Society and served as President from 1980-1984. She was a member of The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and The Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators until her death. Two of her paintings were exhibited at the 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Betty married William Shawcross in 1994 and joined him in Wilmington, NC, where she spent much of her time painting botanical subjects and gardening; two of her favorite hobbies. They enjoyed their time with many dear friends, socializing, cruising and traveling the world.

Beloved children surviving Betty are Nancy Geyer (Peter) of Abington, PA; Barbara Kisken (Stephen) of Stamford, CT; William Haas (Marjorie Gold) of Baltimore, MD; James Haas (Domenica) of Bridgewater, NJ; and Steven Haas of Riverside, CT. A son, John, predeceased his parents in 1954. Surviving Grandchildren include Kevin Adriance (Kelly) of Corning, NY; Brian and Laura Kisken; Kyle Haas; Jacquelyn, Sara and Julia Haas.

Betty also had step-children who she loved very much: Susan Bradford (Bruce) of Deland, FL; Gail Hines (Foster) of Lincoln, CA; Nancy Shawcross of Hoschton, GA; and William Shawcross (Linda) of Clemmons, NC. Betty also had a special place in her heart for step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren Nord Johnson (Kim); Mary Cloud (Todd); Amber and Bethanie Hines; Kate and Emily Shawcross; Shaw and Grant Cloud; Olivia and Faith Johnson.

Betty was a very beautiful and gracious lady who lived each day to the fullest. Her family and many friends will keep her in their hearts forever.

Betty was laid to rest on December 19, 2007 at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Betty's memory may make a gift to her alma mater, Wilson College, 1015 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Arrangements by Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home.