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GLENSIDE, PA / MARQUETTE, MI – Betty Chabot, age 80, of Glenside, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Brookside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Abington after a courageous six-year journey living with Alzheimer's disease. Born to Ardell and Saida (Hill) Phytila, Betty was raised in Pelkie, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was there that she developed strong family values, resilience, and the compassionate spirit that would define her life.
After Betty graduated from Baraga High School, she attended Northern Michigan University Area Training Center, where she studied statistical typing and shorthand. She then moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she married her first husband and welcomed her beloved daughter, Renee (Quigley) Paoli.
In 1968, Betty and Renee moved to White Pine, Michigan, where her parents lived. Upon arriving in White Pine, Betty began working at the White Pine Inn and for mine contractors before joining the Copper Range Company, which was the start of a 21-year career where she wore many hats and held positions of increasing responsibility. She worked as a secretary for Unlimited Developments Incorporated, a White Pine Copper real estate subsidiary; a statistical typist for the Copper Range Tax Department; an Accounts Payable Clerk; then the Administrative Secretary to the Vice President of Finance. Following the closure of the White Pine Mine in 1995, she continued serving the community through her work at the Copper Range Job Center.
Betty met the love of her life, her soulmate, Larry Chabot, while working at the copper mine. Their love story is a cherished family memory. On their second date, Betty asked Larry where he saw the relationship going. Without hesitation, he replied, "I am going to marry you". He kept that promise, and they were married on August 8, 1981. Together they created a loving blended family, with Renee joining siblings Chris, Susan, and Jennifer, who have been close ever since. Betty and Larry spent 45 wonderful years together, building a life filled with laughter, unwavering devotion, travel, countless gatherings of family and friends, and the joy of watching their grandchildren grow. Through every season of life, including times of illness and challenge, they cared for one another with extraordinary love. The family they created has been the biggest blessing of their lives.
After a carbon monoxide scare in February 1996, Betty and Larry moved to Marquette, Michigan, residing at Tourville Apartments, where Betty also worked as a rental agent for six years. She was active at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette, serving as an usher and greeter, and volunteering in the kitchen for funeral luncheons and parish bazaars. She was a wonderful baker who shared her love of baking and cooking with her family and friends.
In 2022, Betty and Larry moved to Glenside, Pennsylvania, to live with her daughter Renee and son-in-law George, to be close to family as her Alzheimer's progressed. The past several years have been a blessing to us, allowing the family to surround her with the same love, comfort, and care that she always gave to others.
Betty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her loyalty, kindness, wit, determination, courage, and was loved beyond measure by her family and all those who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, unconditional love, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in our hearts.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ardell and Saida Phytila, and her sister Helen. She is survived by her husband, Larry Chabot; sister Alice (Mike) McKinney; children Renee (George) Paoli, Christopher (Veronica) Chabot, Susan Chabot, Jennifer Chabot; and grandchildren Cassie (Nijanthan) Paoli-Vasudevan, Courtney (Colton) Paoli-Diggs, and Matthew Chabot. Also among her ancestors were three victims of the 1913 Calumet Italian Hall disaster.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette, Michigan beginning at 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Dan Moll, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Brookside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for her care this past year, as well as AccentCare Hospice for their gentle guidance and love through this heartbreaking process.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty's honor to the Alzheimer's Association.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com