Usually when municipal employees gather at Council Chambers, they’re there to voice their support or opposition to an item on the agenda. They have filled seats to demonstrate their solidarity in support of a contract or in opposition to an ordinance that might strip them of benefits.

Monday was a first. Municipal employees came together to remember one of their own.

This wasn’t on the agenda, but Council President Steve McAllister recognized Personnel Director Steve Rotondo at the beginning of the meeting. Rotondo approached the podium and then looked back at those seated behind them. He introduced them as fellow employees and friends and family of Betty Ann Green.

Betty started work for the city six years ago and as Rotondo said, “with an abundance of experience, in life and in work.” She managed the city’s employee benefits program with a budget of more than $24 million annually.

“It will please the members of the chamber to know that she treated every single penny of that budget as if it were coming from her own pocket,” he said.

It wasn’t her ability to manage accounts that stood out to Rotondo and her co-workers. It was how she treated people.

“Every employee and retiree was treated like family. For Betty, every human encounter was an opportunity to make a friend, or to bring a smile to someone’s face,” Rotondo said.

As for her interaction with fellow employees, Rotondo summed it up this way: “We can remember her for her down-to-earth style punctuated from time-to-time by stunning blouses of cobalt blue – her favorite color – or for consistently impeccable nails, which were an inspiration to more than a few of her colleagues. Surely she will be remembered for the beautiful and engaging smile that greeted us every morning, and said good-night at the end of the day.”

Betty lived in Cranston. She died on Sept. 23.

Betty was born in Marion, South Carolina, the daughter of George and Maggie (Cribb) Green.  She is survived by her siblings, William Green (Debora) of East Providence, Lee Green Sr. of Cranston, Marilyn Evon of Cranston and Sally Green of Providence; her nieces and nephews, Lee Green, Jr., Nicole Green and Amanda Green; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Le'Asia Green, A'Leenah Green and Isaiah Green.

Rotondo summed up his remembrance of Betty quoting Warwick Library Director Alan Coutu.

“After knowing her only briefly, he said, ‘Betty, you are like a walking hug, because you always make people feel comfortable and supported.’”

“Betty Ann Green was our living, walking hug. We were blessed to know her, and we miss her dearly.”