Betty R. Oleson , 84, of Derry died peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. surrounded by her family after an extended illness. Betty was born in Gorham, NH on July 22, 1930 to Bernice ("Bunny") and Philip Reid. Betty was raised in Gorham and graduated from Gorham High School in 1948. She attended the University of New Hampshire before working for the telephone company in Berlin, NH. Betty married Donald Oleson on November 23, 1955 in Utica, NY. After living in Elmira, NY, they moved to Derry in 1959. Betty was a long time employee of Derry Cooperative School District. She was the school secretary of Derry Village School for 27 years and retired in April of 1992. Following retirement, Betty and Don spent their summers at Barndoor Island on Lake Winnipesaukee. Betty helped Don build a summer home on the island which became a place she cherished. Betty loved picking blueberries on the island and making blueberry pies. She enjoyed playing Mahjong with her friends in Derry and she was an avid fan of the Boston Bruins. Betty was also a voracious reader and an unbeatable trivia game player. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.
Members of her family include her husband of 59 years, Donald Robert Oleson; her daughters Mindy (Oleson) Puopolo and husband David of Oak Park, California and Karen Oleson of Goffstown; 2 grandchildren Lauren and Michael of California, her brother William Reid of Concord, NH along with 5 nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Betty was predeceased by her brother Merle Reid.
Following cremation, a calling hour was held on Tuesday April 14, 2015 from 3:00 – 4:00pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A time of sharing followed at 4:00pm in the funeral home.