AUBURN-Elizabeth C. Carpenter, 76, of Auburn, MA, died Sunday, February 19, 2017 at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Elizabeth (Betsy, as she was known by those closest to her) was wife to her late husband of 48 years, James M. Carpenter Sr. Betsy leaves behind her 8 sons and their wives, James Jr. and Crystal Carpenter of Auburn, MA, Michael and Amy Carpenter of Santa Barbara, CA, Edward Carpenter (and his late wife, Elaine) of Webster, MA, George and Lisa M. Carpenter of Leicester, MA, Christopher and Melissa Carpenter of Charlton, MA, Timothy and Bridget Carpenter of Milton, MA, Paul and Kelley Carpenter of Auburn, MA and Sean and Lisa J. Carpenter of Quincy, MA. She also leaves behind her sister, Anne Foley and Anne’s husband Jim of Murrieta, CA, brother John McNally of Webster, MA and was predeceased by her brother Edwin McNally of Worcester, MA. In addition, to her sons, Betsy was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 4 step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Betsy was born and raised in Worcester, MA, a daughter of John and Gertrude McNally. Betsy leaves behind several in-laws, Mary Hanrahan, Rita Murphy, and Maureen Carpenter of Worcester, MA, John and Betty Carpenter of Auburn, MA and Sister Helen Carpenter of the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, NY.
Betsy lived most of her life in Auburn. She worked as an administrative assistant in the Auburn School System for over 20 years, and developed cherished friendships during her time there. It was in Auburn that Betsy and her husband raised their sons, eagerly anticipating every step that life had to offer. Her life was very much focused on family, cherishing the accomplishments of all, spending time with her sons and daughters-in-law and sharing hugs with her many grandchildren. The times that Betsy loved most were those spent around the dinner table, on holidays, special events, or just a nice Sunday afternoon. The more in attendance, the merrier the dinner. Those were the times that she built on the love and strength of her family.
Betsy very much enjoyed sewing and quilting with her sister and friends in her local community group. Betsy was also involved in the town elections, working the polls for the past several years.
She will be missed by all.
Services will be held at Callahan~Fay~Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA. Calling hours are set for 4pm to 7pm on Friday, February 24th and Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 25th at St. Joseph’s Church at 189 Oxford Street N., Auburn, MA. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maryknoll Sisters, c/o Web Office, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0317.