Elizabeth “Betty” K. Miller Garvey passed October 21, 2026 joining her beloved husband in heaven. She was born in Baltimore, MD on June 27, 1939 to Stattira Lucille Brainerd Miller and Earle James Miller, the only daughter tucked between two adoring brothers, James and Michael. Betty grew up in the St. Louis, MO environs, and enjoyed spending time with her grandparents, Bess & Harold Brainerd, in New Piasa Chautauqua, IL.

She attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW), following in her father’s footsteps. A beautiful, spirited coed on campus, she was a cheerleader for the UW Badgers and a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority where she developed lifelong friendships. It was at UW- Madison that she captured the heart of her future husband, Edward R. Garvey.

They married on September 30, 1961, lived briefly in Europe, and returned to Madison, WI so Ed could attend law school. Betty supported the family by teaching 9th grade English and Journalism at Madison West H.S. while raising daughters, Pam and Kathleen.

Ed’s first legal position took them to Minneapolis, MN and a few years later to Chevy Chase, MD where their third daughter, Lizzie, was born. Betty made thousands of sack lunches, ran almost as many carpools, taught Great Books, wrote the community newsletter, led the PTA, briefly became a realtor, played tennis, and made lifelong friends. She learned to cook delicious international dishes and hosted elaborate parties, all from a postage-size kitchen. Importantly, she did the research at Johns Hopkins University Library to suggest to the pediatrician a diagnosis of autism for Lizzie: it was a turning point in the Garvey Family.

While caring for her family, Betty read voraciously, researched therapies and educational options, became a knowledgeable and forceful advocate, raised money for, and championed family participation in many ARC events to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Another job opportunity moved the Garvey Family home again to Madison, WI. As the wife of a public figure, Betty’s grace and courage were on full display. When Ed decided to run for statewide public office, not once but three times, she was his biggest champion and a tireless partner in his indefatigable fight for democracy. She hosted untold numbers of fundraisers, traveled the state, and greeted everyone on the campaign trail with warmth and dignity. He always said she was his better half and his rock.

In Madison, Betty joined the Board of and became a passionate supporter of the Waisman Center which provides family-centered care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Betty and Ed’s commitment to Lizzie’s happiness, personal growth, education and safety remains unmatched. It is her most enduring achievement, along with the unconditional love she provided to Lizzie’s older sisters, Pam and Kathleen. She raised her children with patience, guidance, and endless support, instilling in them the values of kindness, integrity, responsibility and resilience.

As a grandmother, Betty delighted in creating cherished memories, from family gatherings to special rituals, that will forever be treasured. She witnessed the miracle of birth for each of her four grandchildren, Maggie, Jack, Caroline and Teddy. She loved to read them books, play games, decorate gingerbread houses, and bake cookies together. She cheered their accomplishments and often attended their sports/games. Her grandchildren gave “Bubbaday” extraordinary joy and she cherished every moment with them.

Betty spent decades as an employee of American Girl, built many friendships there, and delighted in its products. She had a doll collection as a youngster and loved reading, history, travel, and imaginative play. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and great nieces were all the joyful beneficiaries of American Girl dolls and books, a reminder of her commitment to education, her love of children, and her kind, generous spirit.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents, and her brother, Jim. She is survived by her children: Pam (Tom Ewing); great grandchildren Elena, Hannah, Edward, Estrid and William; daughter Kathleen (Joe McNeil); grandchildren Maggie, Jack, Caroline and Teddy; her beloved daughter, Lizzie; her brother, Mike (Becky) Miller; sister-in-law, Jean Henning; special nieces and their families, Rhonda, Jackie, Stacy, Jill (Ricardo); Mary (Myles) and Annie and many dear friends who will carry forward her legacy of love, compassion, and joy. 

Following a private family burial, friends and family are invited to a celebration of life on November 20, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Maple Bluff Country Club, 500 Kensington Drive, Madison, WI. All are welcome to eat, drink, share stories, and celebrate Betty’s remarkable life.

Gifts in memory of Betty Garvey are suggested to the Waisman Center or the Edward R. & Elizabeth M. Garvey Lecture on Progressive Thought #132908062, both through the UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807 or online at UW Foundation.

Please share your memories of Betty by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434