Dedicated parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church
Published in the December 18, 2015 edition
WAKEFIELD — Elizabeth M. “Bette” Volpe, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at age 92.
Bette was born in Melrose on Aug. 15, 1923, one of two daughters of the late Angelo and Florence (Salipante) Volpe. Raised in Melrose, Bette graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1942.
She worked briefly at Woolworth’s and then became a dental assistant for Dr. Max Robinson where she worked for over 25 years. She did everything in the office and helped Dr. Max with patients. After retiring, she was a successful Avon sales representative for several years.
Most of all, Bette was a lifelong, dedicated parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield.
Bette centered her life on her deep faith and her personal connection to Most Blessed Sacrament Church. Over her years of ready and generous support for church activities and events, Bette became an integral part of parish life. A longtime Eucharistic minister, Bette was the coordinator of the Eucharistic ministers for many years and often served Communion at local hospitals.
She was past president of the Women’s Guild, served on the Social Committee and her regular and faithful presence was instrumental in building new facilities for the Parish Center. One of her favorite church activities was the annual holiday Holly Festival and Craft Fair which she enthusiastically helped organize as the Chairperson for many years.
With her kind and sociable nature, Bette became a friend to many and always welcomed fellow parishioners into her home. She hosted many holidays, gatherings, barbecues and pool parties for family, friends and neighbors at her home.
Bette also served on the Board of Directors for the National Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Hartshorne House in Wakefield.
In her free time, Bette enjoyed tending to her vegetable garden of tomatoes, string beans, carrots, eggplant, lettuce and peppers. She loved her many dogs and cooking her Italian specialties for holiday events. Bette had an open door to anyone and served as willing host for many of her family members over the years. She will be missed but always lovingly remembered by her family and many dear friends.
Bette was the loving aunt of Joyce A. Gaudette of Peabody and her husband Ray of Wakefield, Judi Finan and her husband Peter of Westborough, and the late Jimmy Notto. She was the dear cousin of George Tuttle and his partner Joe of Sandwich. She was the loving great aunt of Pamela DiPesa of Methuen, Kim Kenson of California, James Kenson of Florida, Rachel Finan of Westborough, Earl Finan of Westborough, Ashley Notto of North Chelmsford, Ericka Notto of Lowell and the late Daniel Kenson.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Bette’s life during visiting hours at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., followed by her funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment in Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
Gifts may be made to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield MA 01880.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
