Bette J. Fionte, 86, passed away peacefully at Halcyon House in Methuen on January 10, 2015. Bette was born on August 19, 1928 in Haverhill, Mass., and was the daughter of Gertrude and Carlton Littlefield. Bette was a graduate of Haverhill High School and she was an executive assistant at the Haverhill Gas Company until her retirement.
Bette was a caring and loving person who constantly gave her time to family, friends, and co-workers. She retired early to be the caregiver of her husband, Edward J. Fionte, for 10 years until he passed in 1995. Edward was the father of Ronald Fionte of Melrose, and Paul Fionte of North Andover, and grandfather of Katie, Daniel, Paul and Ed Fionte.
Bette, or Nana B, joyously cared for two of her grandchildren, Dan and Katie Fionte of Andover for many years, taking them on endless adventures across New England. Susan Coppeta, Bette’s niece, of Atkinson, N. H., appreciated Bette’s time and love along with her children, Mike, Joey and Natalie.
Bette was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, bridge player and she was always taking on new projects. She loved to entertain family and friends at her home. She was a member of the Andover Spade and Trowel Garden Club, where she developed life-long friendships, in particular with her dedicated friend Lorraine Kerwin. Anne Wekwert, a life-long friend from Haverhill, spent many happy times with Bette over the years, travelling, enjoying local beaches, and trips to Maine to Lorraine’s home. Judy Bergeron and Janet Fox, her neighbors in Hampton, enjoyed many hours of gardening and fun with Bette.
Prior to her time at Halycon House, Bette lived in Andover, North Andover and most recently, Hampton, New Hampshire. Bette loved to drive everywhere; she was always on the go. She was a volunteer in Hampton, N. H. where she drove the elderly and disabled to doctors’ appointments for several years, demonstrating her love of helping others.
She is survived by her sister, June Walker of Haverhill, sister-in-law, Anita Fionte of North Andover, daughter-in-law, Maureen Fionte of Andover, and her cousin, Marjorie Littlefield. Bette was predeceased by her sister, Arlene Prophet and brother, Carl Littlefield. She leaves many nieces and nephews: Susan Coppeta, of Atkinson N. H., Leslie Costello of North Andover, Pam Kirkman of Salem, N.H., Doug Walker of Sandown, N.H., Thomas Walker of Del Mar, CA, Sharon Littlefield, Michael Littefield, and Gary Littlefield of Florida and Carol Parrendah of Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Her family and friends would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Halycon House, who filled Bette’s last years with endless love, joy and laughter. A special thanks to Dr. Tenney, Dr. Cipkin and Merrimack Valley Hospice for their care and compassion.
Arrangements: Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours on Thursday, January, 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury Street Lawrence. A brief prayer service will be conducted at noon, and interment will be at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover in the Spring of 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Halcyon House, 175 Berkeley Street, Methuen, Ma.