Elizabeth (Betty) Bucci Sorensen, 98, died Jan. 6 at the Cos Cob home her brothers Amel and Tut Bucci built for her next to the homes they had built for their own families. She was a model of unconditional love and open-mindedness, and encouraged her devoted son Eric to develop his talents as a sailor, inventor, and woodworker. Her dearest companion was her older sister Clara, who predeceased her in 2009. Betty’s family was so close that Eric recalls the first time he played with a child who was not a cousin (that child was Paul Peters, who lived two houses away and is still a family friend).
A lifelong resident of Greenwich, she attended Greenwich public schools. She was the wife of George Sorensen; the youngest daughter of Samuel and Grace (Bubicco) Bucci; and the sister of Anthony (Tut), Frank, and Amedeo (Amel) Bucci and Clara Wodicka.
She is survived by one son, Eric Sorensen, of Hope Valley, R.I. Other survivors include her daughter-in-law, Laurene Sorensen, of Moscow, ID; two nieces, Joanne Levin of Rockport, MA, and Mary Elle Bucci of Old Greenwich; one nephew, Tony Bucci, of Portland, ME; three great-nephews, Alex Levin, Eli Bucci, and Nick Bucci; one great-niece, Rachel Levin; and Betty’s best friend, Carmel Armstrong.
A reception was held Jan. 11 at the Living Hope Community Church, Old Greenwich, followed by a memorial service. Interment will take place at a later date.
