GEORGETOWN — Elizabeth “Betty” Cole of Georgetown died on June 30, 2012 from complications from a stroke she suffered last Thanksgiving Day. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1926, she was the third daughter of Russian immigrants Samuel and Anna (White) Cholodanco. Betty, her older sisters Loura and Rose and their mother were artistically accomplished. Betty always aspired to be an actress and early on assumed the stage name Betty Cole. In 1944, Betty auditioned with the Theater Guild in NYC with 1,500 other candidates for a two-year scholarship and won one of 5 places. She also lived in Oxford, England, where she studied with Marcel Marceau. Returning to the US, she helped manage her family’s Philadelphia apartment buildings. After her parents and both sisters died, Betty cared for her sister Rose’s family and then immersed herself full time in social causes.

In the 1970’s, Betty teamed up with DuPont chemist Hal Bonner to lead “Pacem in Terris”, Delaware’s anti-war organization. She perfected the role of behind-the-scenes advocate arranging speaking engagements for Hal to present scientific evidence against nuclear proliferation and for environmental preservation. They were dedicated to promoting world peace and human rights.

Betty and Hal moved to Georgetown in the early 1980s to “live the good life” studying at Shelter Institute and designing and building their passive-solar home. Together they cleared land and planted an organic garden, orchard, and vineyard. Betty was a tireless worker in her home, garden, and community (neighborhood “road commissioner”; maintaining Georgetown’s Land Trust walking trails). She was a voracious reader. She continued until her death to pursue her interests in progressive politics and in the arts. Her calendar was full with dates for lectures, concerts, plays, and art exhibitions.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Hal (Willard Hallam Bonner, Jr.) in 2008.

She is survived by two nieces, Judith Glaser of CT and Joan Heffler of NY and a nephew, Jon Entine of NY and cousins. She is also survived by her stepchildren, their spouses, and their children: David Hallam Bonner, Evelyn Bonner, and Andre of TX and Margo Bonner Thurston, Jon Thurston, and Charlotte and Julia of ME and by stepfamily members in CT, NM, and CA. An intensely principled, accomplished, and generous person, Betty Cole leaves behind many in the community who respect, admire, and love her. A Quaker-inspired memorial gathering for Betty Cole and Hal Bonner is planned for August 17, 4:00 at the Georgetown Historical Society.