B.A. M.A. Born May 16, 1919, Pottstown, P.A., U.S.A. Died May 30, 2009, St. John’s, N.L., Canada. Died peacefully in her own home in the presence of her loving family. Her sharp intellect, sense of humor, and indomitable will remained intact even as her body failed. In 1941, she became one of the first women to enlist in the U.S. Navy, joining the newly formed Waves. She rose to the rank of Lieutenant and saw active duty as both a Supply Officer and in Recruitment until 1945, remaining in the Reserves until Her Honorable Discharge in 1951. Shortly before her ninetieth birthday, she was informed by the Executive of the Folklore Studies Association of Canada that she was to be awarded the Marius Barbeau Medal for her lifelong contribution to Canadian Folklore and Ethnology. The letter reads in part:
“Through both your own work and the immeasurable support you gave your late husband, you have fundamentally altered the state of Canadian folkloristics for the better. As your nominating letter states:
“In no small part due to the dedication and hard work of Letty Halpert over four decades, Memorial University boasts a world class folklore library and nationally recognized folklore archives. As the Folklore Department marks its fortieth anniversary, it celebrates these treasures and with this nomination recognizes Letty Halpert’s unsung work in making them possible.’ ”
Pre-deceased by her younger brother Theodore, and her husband of 55 years, Dr. Herbert Halpert. Left to mourn her absence: Devoted son Nicholas and his wife Sophia Meyer, cousins Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes Tilem, and Mrs. Carol Yeagley Connelly, nieces and nephew Janet, Karen, and Gerry Lazar, loyal and treasured friends (“adopted” family members), Dr. J. D. A. Widdowson, Dr. Carole Carpenter, Dr. Diane Goldstein, and Dave and Laura Smith, as well as a large circle of former colleagues and associates at Memorial University and the broader academic community.
Visitation/Life celebration at Carnell’s Funeral Home, Friday, June 5, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
No flowers by request. Donations can be made in Violetta’s name to The Herbert Halpert Folklore Research Award Fund.