Bette-Jean Locke

Bette-Jean (Smith) Locke, 78, of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away suddenly on January 22, 2025, in Port Charlotte, FL. She was predeceased by her cherished husband of 28 years, Peter F. Locke Jr. Born on September 9, 1946 in Meriden and raised in Southington she was the daughter of Warren E. Smith of Southington and the late Audrey (Anderson) Smith. Bette-Jean was a loving wife, step-mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In addition to her father Bette-Jean is survived by her sisters, Candace Jankiewicz and husband Robert of Old Saybrook, CT, and Cindy Colella of Southington, CT; stepchildren, Peter F. Locke III and wife Marcia of Sandwich, MA, and John N. Locke and wife Andrea of Stafford Springs, CT; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members including aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was especially close to her best friend and travel companion, Dona Ward. Bette-Jean was predeceased by her brother, Benjamin Smith and a brother-in-law Michael B. Colella. A career woman, BJ served as Executive Secretary to the Deputy Minority Leader and Minority Whip at the State Capitol in Hartford, where she was highly respected. She later worked at Stafford Motor Speedway, starting as office manager and eventually rising to vice president. After an early retirement, Bette-Jean and Peter built their dream home at Seminole Lakes Golf Community in Punta Gorda, FL. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate to know her. A memorial service to honor her life and legacy will be held at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12 p.m. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be privately held with her family. To leave a message of remembrance for her family please visit, www.dellavecchiasouthington.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 1455, Ogunquit, ME 03907