Published in the January 21, 2019 edition.
DANVERS — Elizabeth J. “Betty” Darcy, nee Chappelle, 93, died peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, January 6, 2019, in Danvers.
Betty was born on February 23, 1925, in Roxbury to William and Annette Chappelle. She married the love of her life, Charles Darcy, on July 24, 1948. Charlie passed away three years ago but not a day went by that Betty didn’t miss him and talk about him with her children. Betty and Charlie raised their nine children in Massachusetts, first in Jamaica Plain, then in Stoneham, then in Wakefield where they lived for almost 30 years.
Betty is survived by her son Richard Darcy and his wife Anne Marie, of St. Charles, Mo.; daughter Terri Munson and her husband Bob of Grantham, N.H.; daughter Sandy Parziale and her husband Paul of Redmond, Ore.; son David Darcy of Arlington, Va.; daughter Maryanne Hoy of North Andover; son John Darcy and his wife Joanne, of Wakefield; daughter Nancy Gallant and her husband, Rob of Ipswich and her beloved brother Willie Chappelle and his wife Dolly of Brockton. She is survived by dear friends Barbara Connelly, Mary Konaxis and Ronnie Wesolowski as well as by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her sons Robert and Mark, her brother Eddie and sisters Grace, Rita and Marie.
Though she always stayed focused on what a healthy and active person she was, Betty endured multiple illnesses in her final decades. She was grateful to her team of doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital for their exceptional care and often commented on their devotion to patients who were enduring considerable suffering. Her doctors, nurses and caregivers always were particularly happy to spend time with Betty, commenting on her amazing attitude and strength in the face of multiple painful diagnoses as well as her tremendous sense of humor and her signature fashion style highlighted by her trademark sunglasses. Her positive attitude and resilience saw her through her recent most difficult years of health challenges and her final months of palliative care.
One of Betty’s joys in life was connecting with children. Even into her 80’s, she would get on the floor and play with the little ones. More recently, she continued to take a tremendous interest in how each grandchild was doing, long into their adult years, and was never happier than when sharing time with them. She loved to share her wisdom, often couched in humor. “Nana” will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Seth, Val, Ben, Ty, Glen, Taryn, Amy, Michael, April, Amber, Alex, Casey, Rachelle, Courtney, Mark, and Allison. “Nana Betty”was tickled to have another batch of little ones when she was blessed with the addition to the family of her great-grandchildren PK, Dash, Leah, Xander K, Aedan, Yeats, Nico, Elsa, Devon, Xander D, Enzo and Charlie.
For the past 17 years, Betty lived in Brooksby Village, an active, independent retirement community in Peabody. Betty was a quick wit with a sassy way about her that everyone enjoyed. She was irreverent and fun and made many friends at Brooksby and especially enjoyed line dancing and aqua aerobics. She was recognized more than once as the Brooksby Village Health Club “Member of the Month” not only because of her active lifestyle and focus on fitness but because of the strength and resolve she showed each time she returned to the pool after times of illness and adversity. She also spent several years in volunteer service leading the weekly sing-along for the long-term care residents.
Betty was the envy of her Brooksby friends because her family visited her quite often. She was grateful she was able to stay in her home while receiving months of palliative care services where she could remain with her companion kitty, ChaCha. Betty enjoyed the gift of one final Christmas at Brooksby with her children and grandchildren visiting, calling and video calling; enjoying favorite meals, looking at photos, and sharing happy memories and classic family stories. She was determined to make it through the holiday and commented repeatedly on what a happy Christmas it was and that she was happy so long as her kids were happy. Betty’s devotion to her children was matched only by their devotion to her.
A true matriarch, Betty will always be remembered for the important example she set as she was able to keep a positive perspective and she stayed focused on her many blessings in spite of difficult times of pain, illness and loss.
Betty was such a caring person. Over the years she has donated to many non-profits and charities – some supporting children, some the elderly, and to organizations fighting diseases that affected her family. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Betty’s name to a charity that means something to your family.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dary, Ronnie, Ellen and all of the aides from Bayada Home Health Care for their excellent care and unflagging kindness shown to our beloved mother.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 6 at 3 p.m. at the Brooksby Village Chapel, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, Mass. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty’s life.
Condolences may be sent to Nancy Gallant, 2 Roberts Road, Ipswich, MA 01938.
