Elizabeth P. Weston, 104

Betty Weston

Betty Weston

FRYEBURG — Elizabeth “Betty” Pipe Weston, 104, matriarch of the Weston family, died peacefully at her beloved home, Rivercroft Farm, in Fryeburg on March 3rd, 2016.

She was born on Oct. 18, 1911 in Somerville, Mass., the daughter of Charles Roy and SuzanneMae (Snow) Pipe. She graduated from Melrose High School and received her Bachelor's of Science degree from Framingham State Teacher's College in 1933, where she was president of the Fine Arts Club. She married the late John Franklin Weston in 1934 and moved to Rivercroft Farm, where she lived for 82 years.

Betty was utterly devoted to her family, which made up the center of her life. After the untimely death of her husband in 1972, she lived alone until she was close to 100 years old. She was proud of her health and longevity. She cooked herself a real dinner every night and continued to climb the long flight of stairs in her house. She was a phenomenal cook, and studied nutrition in college. She baked for Weston's Farm Stand, and was a judge for various cooking contests at the Fryeburg Fair. She could always be found in the kitchen, and often prepared meals for the family, especially during the busy summer months. She loved children and for many years helped at the preschool where her daughter, Grace, was the teacher.

She was a lifelong member of Eastern Star, serving at different times as Grand Matron and Chaplain of the Pythagorean #169 Chapter for as long as she was able. The Rainbow Order of Girls in her hometown of Melrose even helped plan her wedding reception.

Betty was involved in the First Congregational Church in Fryeburg, where she taught Sunday School and was an active member of the Nautilus Guild. She was also an integral member of the Fryeburg Women's Library Club, helping to plan and organize the wonderful Harvest Suppers. She was a lifelong member of the Fryeburg Historical Society as well.

She was an avid gardener and member of the local garden club. Being particularly fond of roses, in the summer she would always keep roses cut, giving them to people who came to call. As a talented seamstress, she made and designed many of the dresses she wore. She has been described by many as being a true lady; always gracious, poised and elegant. This grace carried through whether it was hosting a child's birthday party or attending President Eisenhower's Inaugural Ball.

Betty is loved by her son, George Weston and his wife Laurie of Fryeburg; grandchildren, Sue Poulin and her spouse Kirsten Gowdy of Wolfeboro, N.H., John Gordon Jr. of Hudson, OH, and his former wife Gina, Chris Gordon and his wife Cici of Winchester, Mass., and Fryeburg, Mary Di Nucci and her husband Michael of Fryeburg, Julie James and her husband Michael of Center Conway, N.H., and John Weston and his fiancée Katy Noonan of Fryeburg; eight great-grandchildren, Mac and Kasey Poulin, Alexandra and Nicholas Gordon, Tucker and Tate Gordon, Tyler James, and Serena Di Nucci; son-in-law, John “Jacki” Gordon Sr. and his companion Jane Lassie of Fryeburg; and several nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband, John F. Weston, in 1972, her daughter, Grace W. Gordon, in 1995; brothers, Carlton, Gordon, and Richard Pipe, and sister-in-law Patricia Pipe.

The family sends a special thank you to her devoted and loving caregivers, Jodie Webster, Meggan Day, Bonnie Turcotte, Tori Turcotte Kenerson, and Twyla Watson.

Family and friends are invited to a time of memorial visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, Fryeburg. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the First Congregational Church of Fryeburg, UCC, 655 Main Street, Fryeburg, where Betty's granddaughter, the Reverend Suzanne Poulin, will help officiate. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in Betty’s memory to the First Congregational Church of Fryeburg, UCC, 655 Main Street, Fryeburg, ME 04037. Spring interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Fryeburg. Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Betty’s family at www.woodfuneralhome.org