Betty M. Twichell, 88, resident of Manitowoc, died on February 13, 2012 at River's Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Betty was born on October 13, 1923 in Freeport, IL to the late Royal and Vera Pierson Synwolt. As a child, Betty lived in the northern Illinois communities of Stockton, Rockford, Warren, Savanna, Harvard, and Lockport. She met her future husband, William "Bill" Twichell, at Lockport Township High School where she graduated in 1941. She attended the University of Illinois on scholarship, graduating with honors in 1945 with a major in elementary education and a minor in music education. Betty married Bill Twichell in Lockport, IL on June 30, 1945. He preceded her in death in January 15, 2007.

Betty began teaching in the Urbana, Illinois Public School system in 1950 while working on her master's in education, which she earned from the University of Illinois in 1956. That year she and Bill moved to Beloit and accepted teaching positions in nearby Durand, Illinois, and later in Beloit's public schools. In 1962, they moved their family to Manitowoc—Betty teaching first grade at Madison School and Bill teaching physical education and coaching at Lincoln High School. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma. In 1968 Betty entered the second half of her teaching career by fulfilling a long-held dream to switch to elementary music education which she continued until retiring from teaching in 1986.

Music was an enduring and joyful part of Betty's life. She shared her musical gifts as a frequent accompanist by working with theaters, choirs and soloists. Betty loved her church and was an active member of Lakeshore United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a Door County camping enthusiast, starting camping there in the 1930s. Her family meant the world to her, especially her two grandchildren. Her other interests included genealogy, gardening, stitchery, and reading. She was a member of PEO.

Betty is survived by two daughters: Julia Twichell Butala and Nancy Twichell, both of Manitowoc; one son: Charles (Kristi Torkelson) Twichell, Oak Park, IL; two grandchildren: Evan and Allegra Torkelson Twichell; sister: Jane (Robert) Wells, Beloit; brother: Royal (Connie) Synwolt, Port St. Lucie, FL; also beloved nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, 411 Reed Avenue, Manitowoc with Rev. Thomas Dunham officiating. The visitation will take place at the church prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs of River's Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Holy Family Memorial, and Holy Family Home Health Care for the compassionate care they extended to Betty. Special thanks go to Pastor Thomas Dunham and the church family at Lakeshore United Methodist Church for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Betty can be sent to Lakeshore United Methodist Church.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home & Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.