Elizabeth Joan Forquer passed away at home in Southold, NY, with her family by her side on Jan. 14, 2009 after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease. "Betty" was born in Niagara Falls on July 19, 1928 to Mary and Lyndon Foscue. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Falls View, WV, where she spent most of her childhood. Betty attended the Stewart Hall School in Staunton, VA, and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke University. She also earned a master's degree in marine biology at Hofstra University.

Betty is survived by her husband of 59 years, Rush Forquer; son David; daughter Ellyn Hedrick; and grandchildren, Andrew, Caroline, Heather, Morgan Hedrick, Patrick, Rush and Thomas. She was predeceased by her sister Nancy Beard and her eldest son James.

Betty's life was marked by her passion for her family and community. In everything she did, whether with Residents for a more Beautiful Port Washington, the Audubon Society, the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary or the Water Commission of Port Washington, she was an early and effective advocate for environmental and conservation issues. Long before sustainability was a popular concept, Betty lived by its principles. She served as president of the Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association, was an active member of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters. Beyond these causes, Betty made a home filled with interesting music, good food, lively discourse, and great love.

The family will receive visitors at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home 51400 Main Road, Southold, on Jan. 22 between 6 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 23 at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church in Roslyn, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Southold Town Adult Day Care-Katinka House, 750 Pacific St., P.O. Box 85, Mattituck, NY 11952, and/or the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, 134 Cove Rd., Oyster Bay, NY 11771.