Elizabeth Bowditch Bennett, age 101, passed away May 13, 2022, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL.

Libby, as she was known to her friends and family, was the eighth child born to the late Martha and John Bowditch in Ashville, NC. She attended Sullins College, U Penn and graduated in 1975 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a degree in Fine Arts.

After frequent moves in Libby’s childhood, her family lived in Poland, OH where she met her future husband George Bennett in high school, while ice skating. The family moved to Swarthmore, PA where she graduated from high school.

Libby married George in April 1944. They lived in various locations in the US and parts of the world, while George served on active duty in the Navy. Following a tour of duty in Golcuk, Turkey, they settled in Virginia Beach in 1963. She and George loved traveling and living in multiple overseas locations. Libby was a very active member in the Virginia Beach Art guild and local flower clubs. She loved living at the beach and walking her Pekinese dogs on the beach was great fun for her and her pooches. Libby found inspiration in the local landscapes for her paintings. She won numerous awards at art shows at Virginia Beach. Libby served on the altar guild at Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach.

She had a prolific garden by the beach and grew both flowers and vegetables. She was an avid tennis player well into her eighties. Libby enjoyed playing mahjong and bridge with her friends and riding her bicycle along the boardwalk.

Libby is survived by her three children George O. Bennett Jr. (Oxnard, CA), John Bennett (Pinehurst, NC), Dr. Martha-Elizabeth W. Bennett (Sebastian, FL), two granddaughters Stephanie Farris (Tulsa, OK) & Jessica Weaver (Pinehurst, NC) and four great granddaughters Payton & Taylor Farris and Ainsley & Madison Weaver.

Libby’s beloved husband of 58 years, CDR George Osborne Bennett (USN Ret.), predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Libby’s great love of gardening, please make donations to The Garden Club of America.