Elizabeth (Ferrari) Fletcher

We are saddened to share that Elizabeth “Betty” Fletcher passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 87. Even in her late 80s, she remained full of life—sharp, active, and always on the move, embracing each day with energy and purpose.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, on January 28, 1938, to the late Frank and Emma Ferrari, Betty was the youngest of four children and the only sister to her three older brothers.

Betty grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and graduated from Corpus Christi Grammar School and Immaculate Conception High School. She went on to earn a degree in education from Madonna College in Livonia, MI, and dedicated her professional life to teaching. An inspiring elementary language arts teacher, Betty, made a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues alike.

After teaching for several years in the NJ public school system, Betty moved to Massachusetts and taught at Estabrook School in Lexington until her retirement in 1992. It was during a Christmas shopping trip to Boston that she met Richard—an unexpected encounter in a bar that marked the beginning of their lifelong love story. They were married in Westwood and made their home in Sudbury.

While living in Sudbury, Betty operated a booth at Concord Antiques, one of Concord’s premier antique malls. Her lifelong hobby became a successful business with her keen understanding of the inventory and the needs of her customers. Dick was always at her side, happily supporting “Queen Elizabeth” in every way.

After retiring from her teaching career, Betty and Dick poured their energy and heart into opening The Birchwood Bed and Breakfast in Derby Line, VT. There, they welcomed guests from around the world, sharing their love of New England autumns, the charm of country living, and the taste of real Vermont maple syrup. Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, they made a perfect team, and their beloved Inn even caught the attention of the Boston Globe.

Betty was a gifted cook who delighted in bringing people together around her table. She had a deep appreciation for fine foods, travel, antiques, gardening, and supporting family-owned shops and specialty stores. She gave freely of her time and energy, quietly enriching her community with acts of kindness and care, even into her later years.

Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. Betty was an active member of each church she called home—Our Lady of Fatima in Sudbury, MA; St. Edward Parish in Derby Line, VT; and the Newman Catholic Community in Chapel Hill, NC. She lived her beliefs with dignity and grace, always contributing her time and talents to her parish.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Richard Fletcher; her parents; three brothers, Frank, August, and Philip Ferrari; sisters-in-law, Catherine E. Ferrari, and Doris Luhrs Ferrari; and niece, Karen Ferrari.

She is survived by her beloved son, Raymond Gomez of Chelsea, MA; brother-in-law Jack Fletcher of Leland, NC; sisters-in-law Mary Ferrari of Rye, NY, Anne Whelan (Richard) of Brookfield, MA, and Mary Fletcher Deal of Parker, CO; nieces Rhonda Ferrari Calvert, Elaine Ferrari Howlan (Steve), Kathy Ferrari Bethune (John), Mary Anne Ferrari, Kathy Ferrari Baldwin, Lynn Ferrari Sturgeon (Brian), Mary Claire Ferrari Milito (Stefano), Lori Ferrari Shepard (Murray), and Patty Ferrari Pollio; nephews John Ferrari (Jodie), Paul Ferrari (Lynn), and James Ferrari; and a wide circle of extended family and cherished friends.

A Mass will be held at the Newman Catholic Community Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Timothy Kulbicki presiding.

A second Mass will take place in Vermont on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Derby Line, followed by inurnment at St. Edward’s Cemetery, with Father Anil Akkara presiding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Betty’s name to Hospital Albert Schweitzer, P.O. Box 110091, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or online at hashaiti.org.

Online condolences may be shared at Obituary for Elizabeth (Ferrari) Fletcher | Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Fletcher family.