History happens every moment, as it has from the beginning and those dedicated to preserving and bringing history to life fill their own lives and the lives of those around them with timeless gifts.

Betty M. Chichester knew this early on and throughout her 94 years, she continuously shared all that she learned and never lost her passion for searching, seeking and discovering the past.

Betty was born on February 17, 1927 in Cairo, NY to Helen (Baldwin) and William R. Muller.  She graduated from Cairo High School and eventually married her sweetheart, Francis Chichester on April 7, 1947.
Betty's smile greeted patrons of the Middleburgh Bank, where she worked as a teller for many years, but most will remember her for her years of service to the Town of Broome, as it's long-time Town Clerk, Town Historian until 2018 and also a Town Board member.  Her dedication to her community was unwavering.  Betty was a charter member of the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and also an active member of the Livingstonville Community Church.  When not delving through photographs, history books and obligations of her Town positions, Betty could be found making ceramics and tending to the beautiful flowers in her gardens.

Besides her parents and her husband, Betty was predeceased by her brothers: William and Eugene Muller.

Cherishing her life and love forever are her sons: Charles M. "Chi" (Mary) Chichester of Breakabeen and Donald E. Chichester of Livingstonville; grandchildren: Casey (Dana) Chichester of Breakabeen and Amber (William Papas) of West Fulton; great-grandchildren: Sophia and Parker Papas.

All are invited to visit with her family from 6:00-8:00PM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River St. Middleburgh. A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in the old section of Middleburgh Cemetery, off Huntersland Road.

Memorials in Betty's honor are requested to the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department, 453 State Route 145, Middleburgh, NY 12122.