Published in the January 15, 2016 edition

Duprey-obit-webMELROSE — Elizabeth M. “Betty” Duprey, 83, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Jan. 8.

Elizabeth was born in Medford on Feb. 2, 1932, one of two daughters of the late Edward Stymans and Claire L. Lamoureux. Elizabeth who was lovingly known by her friends and family as “Betty” was a graduate of Medford High School. Betty was a hard working, supportive mother to her two daughters who she raised while living in Malden.

With her friendly nature and pretty smile, Betty was a very successful Avon Lady in her younger years, going door to door selling cosmetics. She then had a variety of jobs before settling in as the clerk for Mystic Valley Gas Co.

Betty was a warm, kind, loving and extraordinarily generous woman. She never hesitated to give, whether she had the means to or not. She thought of others first and was always the first one to stand up and help if needed. Her generous spirit touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with whether family, a friend or someone she just met.

For 34 years, Betty lived in Florida with her husband “Buddy” until his passing in 2010. She returned to Massachusetts finding a new home, and new friendships at the Fuller House in Melrose. With her bubbly personality and sense of humor, she got along with everyone and made many new friends. She loved organizing parties, dances or game nights with her friends and neighbors. She was particularly grateful for the connection that she shared with Frank for these last four years. They had many fond memories together and enjoyed parties and bus trips with the Senior Center and the 200 Club.

In her younger years, Betty made many wonderful oil paintings with a focus on nature scenes and animals. She also loved singing especially her favorite 1940s big band tunes, going out to eat and her cats, Hunter, Sylvester and Little Girl.

Above all else, she loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed many rides to the cottage in Maine to relax on the dock or go for a ride on the boat. She also enjoyed visiting her daughter Patti’s hair salon “Cuts and Such” on Main Street in Melrose. Betty was happiest with her family and friends and especially cherished time with her great-granddaughters, Cali and Emma. She will be missed but her memory will continue on in the hearts of those she loved.

Betty was the devoted mother of Patricia “Patti” Boni and her husband Dennis of Boxford and Janis N. LeBlanc of Selden, N.Y. She was the loving grandmother of Melanie Coffin and her husband Douglas of Danvers. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Cali and Emma Coffin. She was the dear sister of the late Shirley Cawthorne. She was the beloved wife of the late Eugene L. “Buddy” Duprey Sr., former wife of the late Gerald T. LeBlanc and loving companion and best friend of Frank Ouellette of Melrose.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Betty during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 4-8 p.m. and again for her funeral service celebrated on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.