Obituaries

St. Mary's Parishioner Dies

Elizabeth "Betty" Bresnahan died in Marlborough.

Elizabeth "Betty" Bresnahan passed from this life to be with the Lord on May 16 at Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center after a brief illness.

She leaves behind a son, Arthur J. Bresnahan, Jr and his longtime companion, Elizabeth Miller of E. Dennis and Pine Island, FL. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: Kevin Bresnahan and his wife Elaine of Worcester, Kathy (Bresnahan) Phipps and her husband Benjamin of Hartford, VT, Kerri (Bresnahan) Lovell and her husband Jason of Temecula, CA, Jon Todd Bresnahan and his wife Katrina of Natick, Craig Bresnahan and his fiancé Elizabeth Sartori of South Boston and of six great grandchildren: Joshua and Matthew Phipps, Kacey Bresnahan, Braden and Brynne Lovell and Sloane Bresnahan, and her soon to be born great grandson. She also leaves her loving daughter-in law Joellyn Bresnahan of Shrewsbury, and several nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was predeceased in 1981 by her devoted husband of 40 years, Arthur J. Bresnahan, Sr., and by her beloved son, John, in 2007. Being the youngest of eight children born to the late Joseph and Julia (Stacey) Riel, her two brothers, Adolphus & Edward Riel, and five sisters, Sr. Mary Bertholde S.S.A., Aleda Richardson, Sr. Irene Riel S.S.A., Mary Farrell and Agnes Berthiaume passed before her. Also, her son Arthur's wife, Joan (Tetrault) Bresnahan died in 1983.

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Elizabeth was born on September 25, 1915 in Auburn and enjoyed her childhood living on the family's farm. She would tell us that even during the depression and with such a large family to feed, they always had plenty of food.

She graduated from Commerce High School, and after graduation, she took a job at Richard Healy’s in Worcester. While raising her two boys, she helped out in her husband's business by working as the bookkeeper for Bresnahan's Service Station for many years. She was a member of the Shrewsbury Business Women's Club and was a devout parishioner of in Shrewsbury for over 63 years. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.

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The family would like to thank Elder Services of Worcester and the VNA Hospice Care of Worcester who, along with her caring grandson Kevin, made it possible for Elizabeth to remain in her home for as long as possible.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Elizabeth, to Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc., 411 Chandler St., Worcester, Ma 01602.


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