Betty (Youngren) Slechta passed away suddenly at Carlton Willard Village in Bedford on April 26, 2023 at the age of 94.
Betty was born on Dec. 30, 1928 in Worcester to Carl and Gertrude Youngren. She had one brother, William N. who predeceased her.
During the early World War II years, she and her family moved from Worcester to Kenmore, NY (Buffalo), returning to Worcester after a few years. Betty graduated from South High School in Worcester and from Clark University with a BS in biology.
She was a teacher of biology, physiology, and chemistry at the Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester.
Betty married Robert (Bob) Slechta in 1953. The couple moved to Denver, CO where Bob served in the U.S. Army and Betty taught at the Kent School for Girls. After returning from Denver, Betty worked as a biologist at a Harvard University botany lab until 1958 when son Marc was born.
In 1959, Betty and her family moved to Bedford. Betty and Bob were active members of the First Parish Church in Bedford. Betty was an active member of the League of Women Voters in the 1960s and ’70s. Betty volunteered at the Bedford Library and was a docent at the Job Lane House in Bedford for many years.
Betty was an accomplished artist and member of the Bedford Arts & Crafts Society. She was an excellent cook, avid reader, and an expert in world and art history and antique glass.
She and Bob operated an antique business and were members of the Bedford Historical Society. Betty was a dedicated genealogist, spending countless hours tracing family history.
Betty is survived by her son Marc and daughter-in-law Pat of Duxbury; granddaughter Catherine (Helias) and husband Greg of Costa Mesa, CA; grandson John of Denver, CO; and great granddaughters Marin and Bennett Helias.
A graveside service for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a gift to the Bedford Historical Society, Inc. at 16 South Rd., Bedford, MA 01730 or a charity of choice.
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