Elizabeth A. “Betty” Rich, 77, of Gloucester, wife of the late Robert M. Rich passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Gloucester on June 1, 1941, daughter of the late James and Catherine (Drohan) Shea. Betty was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1959.
Following high school, she worked for her father’s business the Frosty Cup, where she met her future husband Bob and later married him in September of 1963. She later worked for New England Telephone, Nelson’s Clothing Store, Yellow Sub, where she was a constant friendly face and lastly for the City of Gloucester Police Department as a matron and crossing guard for over 35 years. She very much loved knitting, doing her scratch tickets, trips to Foxwoods and her monthly dinners out with the cousins.
She had a great love of animals and become a foster mother for the Cape Ann Animal Shelter. Betty also enjoyed time with family and her grandchildren, but the most memorable and enjoyable time was going to Disney World with her grandson, Jimmy (the first grandchild). She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank Addison Gilbert Hospital, Oncology Department and Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their great care and compassion to Betty. She is survived by her sons, Robert J. Rich and his wife Michele, Michael D. Rich all of Gloucester; grandchildren, James Rich, Joseph and Michaela Pisano and Michael’s god daughter, Tayia Klyce, her life-long friend, Justine “Juddy” Quinn; her canine companion, Joe Ringo, a Boston Terrier; brother-in-law, David Rich and his wife Angela of Gloucester and many cousins. She was predeceased by sisters-in-law, Ann Rich and Martha Morong and her in-laws, Melvin and Marion Rich.
Her visiting hours will be held in Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Following the visiting hours a Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge, 97 Atlantic Road, #101, Gloucester. The burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or to Addison Gilbert Hospital/Oncology, c/o Philanthropy, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (please make checks payable to Addison Gilbert Hospital and on memo line state “Oncology”) For online condolences, please visit www.
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