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Elizabeth “Betty” Haughin

  • On June 17, 2026
  • 3 Comments

On June 15, 2026, Elizabeth “Betty” Haughin, born August 30, 1923, passed away peacefully at Passavant Community, Zelienople PA. She was 102.

Beloved spouse of the late Kenneth H. Haughin (deceased 2004). Mother of Barry (Tricia) of Fountain Hills AZ, Brian (Elaine) of Sewickley, Bruce (Judy Pastor) of Ben Avon, and Bert (Jody) of Gig Harbor, WA. Grandmother of Casey Haughin-Scasny (Andrew) of Goleta, CA and Max Haughin (fiancée Camryn Soehnlein) of Port Angeles, WA.

Daughter of Elizabeth Pohlot Besser and Emerick Besser. Sister to the late Emerick Besser Jr (Phyllis), the late Mary Alice Naylor, and the late Robert (Bob) Besser (Betty).

Born on Porterfield Street on the North Side, Betty spent her entire life in the North Boroughs. She became a local celebrity via her writing of the good news column “Chit Chat” in the Lamplighter, The City and Suburban Life, and the Citizen. Along with husband Ken, they resided in Ben Avon for many years, and later in Bellevue. Betty was a model for the modern working mother, managing a bustling household while working at home nights and weekends, typing transcripts for court reporters.

Betty lived the last 20 years of her life in Passavant Community in Zelienople PA. She drove until she was 97 and lived independently until she was 101.  She always had a song in her heart and often on her lips as well, occasionally on kazoo.

Betty was known to many in the community for her kindness to those experiencing difficult times or down on their luck.

She was a devout Christian and lived her life as a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. She would often quote her mother’s favorite Bible verse, “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

All are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 am at Community Presbyterian Church Of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15202. Reception and light refreshments at the church will follow the event.

As remembrance, donations are suggested to:

Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation

In Memory of Betty Haughin

105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063.

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3 Comments

Cheryl Edwards
Dear Betty was a lifelong friend of my mother's (since Bellevue High School days) and a fellow Woodland Presbyterian church member and friend of my family. I loved getting the City and Suburban Life newspaper and reading her Chit Chat column - we all did. I regret not keeping in touch with her after my mother's death (2012): we emailed and exchanged Christmas cards (her beloved letter at the holidays) but I wish now that I had visited her and kept better contact, as well (a life-lesson there as we all know our time on earth is never a given). She was a faithful Christian and is now singing with the angels, of that I am sure. God speed, dear friend. Job well done, here on earth.
Brenda Lemmon
My deepest sympathy to Betty’s family. I met Betty through my mom, Myrtle Mathews, as they became friends at LSL. Betty joined us for lunch several times at The Water Hole in Harmony. She was a fun-loving person and I’m glad to have known her. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.
Krystal Mathews
I met Betty through my mom, Myrtle, at Luther Court. Betty was always so welcoming with a warm smile and usually a joke or two. She knew the words to just about every song played at gatherings. She was a kind, big hearted Christian woman. She was so proud of her sons and was so in love with Ken, God and life. She was an inspiration to my mother and to me. I will miss visiting her at Passavant. She couldn’t wait to meet her Heavenly Father and I am sure He welcomed her with open arms and said: job well done my daughter. May she rest in peace never to suffer again.
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