Published in the August 11, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Cerretani (Kiley), 80, of Melrose passed away peacefully at The Bridges by EPOCH in Mashpee on Sunday, August 6.
Betty was born in Melrose on October, 9, 1,936, and was the daughter of the late Stephen C. Kiley and Ann Cecelia Kiley [Carey). She was raised in Melrose on the Kiley Farm with many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Betty was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1954. She then attended and graduated from the Melrose Hospital School of Nursing in 1957 as a registered nurse. She went on to be head nurse of the maternity ward at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. Later on she worked for Dr. Johnson’s Physician Office, and then NutriSystem in Malden. She took great pride in being a nurse, it was so much more than a job as she was so caring and kind.
In 1959, Betty married the love of her life Joseph S. Cerretani. They recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. A marriage blessed with tremendous love and respect for each other.
Betty was the devoted mother of Ellen DeOrsey and her husband Michael of Colchester, Vermont; Joseph Cerretani and his wife LeeAnn of Mansfield; and was predeceased by Baby Kara.
Betty was the very proud grandmother of Brianna, Brendan, and Nicole DeOrsey; and Courtney and Kyle Cerretani. She spoke of them often beaming with pride as each one brought so much joy to her life.
Her brother Thomas Kiley and his wife Anne of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and their three daughters, MaryLou, Julie, and Chris, survive Betty.
Betty raised her family in Melrose and created many wonderful summer memories on the Cotuit portion of Cape Code. She enjoyed skiing, boating, spending time on the beach, and traveling with friends and family. She loved to have a fun time and was blessed with her father’s wit.
She enjoyed being an active member of Sharing and Caring in Melrose. She was a longtime member of Bellevue Country Club. She and Joe enjoyed many winters in Naples, Florida.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, August 10, 2017. Funeral Procession from the Funeral Home Friday morning at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose will follow. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s name to the Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund, P.O. 760695, Melrose, MA 02176.
