Beatrice J. NowocienskiAge: 92 • ShelburneBeatrice (Betty) Elaine Julian Nowocienski died on February 7, 2017 at the VNA Respite House in Colchester, VT following a long illness. She was 92 years old.Betty was born on January 5, 1925 to Milton and Beatrice (Goslant) Julian in St. Johnsbury, VT. She attended public school until 1938 and then the St. Johnsbury Academy, graduating in 1942. Betty received musical training at the Jr. Conservatory of Music from 1930 until 1942 and gave a graduate recital in piano and voice in June of 1943. She enrolled in Syracuse University in the fall of 1943 and graduated in June of 1947 with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano and voice. Betty was a former member of the NEA, the MENC, and the VMEA.During the time of Betty's studies at Syracuse, she met her husband, Stanley Francis Nowocienski; they married on October 4, 1947. Betty and Stan moved to Shelburne, VT in 1951 where they built their home on Mount Philo Road. Together they were the proud parents of four daughters: Mary, Katherine, Patricia, and Juliann. Betty taught private music lessons in voice and piano from 1951-1958. She taught music in the Shelburne school system for many years, retiring in 1983. Mrs. "No-vo-chin-ski" loved her work and the children. After retirement, Betty continued to share her love of music teaching, privately in her home until 1989. Betty was always thinking of others and enjoyed helping whenever she could. She was a much-valued volunteer at the SCHIPS resale shop in Shelburne, as well as at the Charlotte Central School where she spent many hours working in the library. Betty was a communicant of St. Catherine's Parish and was a former choir director and organist.Betty enjoyed gardening, spending time with her family, and traveling. She loved a good jigsaw puzzle and would spend hours working on them. She maintained a close friendship with her retired Shelburne teachers birthday group, always looking forward to the next party, even into her nineties! A true party girl, she loved a good strawberry daiquiri.Betty touched many lives during her time on earth and leaves behind many friends and family. She was predeceased by her husband Stan, daughters Mary and Margaret, and son-in-law Andrew Mathews. Betty is survived by her daughters:, Katherine (James) Chase; Patricia (Stefan) Zuber; and Juliann Mathews (Matthew Burgess); grandchildren Jamie Chase (Alyssa); Jeremey Chase (Joe Major); Jason Chase (Sarah McIntyre & daughters ReBecca and Allison); Sarah Mathews; Anna Matuschka (Thor); Lauren Zuber. Great-grand-children Hailey and James Chase, and Emma Matuschka. Betty is also survived by her dear brother, William (Audrey) Julian, nieces Carol Julian and Debra VanDemark, and nephew Allen Julian and their children.A joyful celebration of Betty's life will take place on Sunday, May 7th at 1:00 pm at the All Souls Interfaith Gathering Center, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne, VT. Please come and share a story or a song; a piano will be available. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Shelburne Food Shelf, the Humane Society of Chittenden County, or the VNA Respite House.Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.