Elizabeth Larsen

WATERFORD — Elizabeth R. Larsen, 90, of Waterford passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 at her home.

Affectionately known as Betty, she was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 31, 1924, the daughter of Dennis W. and Frances E. Leeper Ryan. In 1941, she graduated from East Haven High School in Connecticut and later attended New Haven Teachers’ College. For many years, Betty worked as a secretary at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she would meet Harold Ludwig Larsen. The two married on Jan. 21, 1950, and started a family with five sons and two daughters. They loved vacationing in Maine, and in 1981, Harold and Betty moved from Connecticut and settled on Papoose Pond in Waterford. In Maine, Betty was very active in the local community, volunteering her time with the Good Shepherd Food-Bank and the lunch counter at Stephens Memorial Hospital. And longtime residents may remember Betty and Harold from the Waterford Community breakfasts (Betty cooked and Harold waited tables). She loved music and sang with local groups such as the Sweet Adelines and the Tune Timers. She and Harold made many friends in the square dancing community.

She is survived by her brother, William Ryan of Branford, Conn.; her children, Janet Healey of Waterford, Richard Larsen of Oxford, Kathy Esposito of Hamden, Conn., William Larsen of Hebron, Conn., Thomas Larsen of Wakefield, R.I., Bob Larsen of Harrison and Bruce Larsen of Sutton, Mass.; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 47 years; brothers, Thomas Ryan and Dennis Ryan.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the Trinity Lutheran Church of South Paris, Maine.

Memorial services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 34 Buckfield Road, South Paris on Sunday, Oct. 25. Arrangements were under the care of Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford.