CHARLTON - Elizabeth "Bette" (McCluskey) Gregoriou, 88, formerly of Westborough and Charlton, died peacefully on Saturday April 28th at Life Care Center of Auburn.
Her husband and love of her life, Anthony Gregoriou died in 2017. She leaves her five children; Kathy A. Derderian and her husband Cliff of Boylston, James A. Gregoriou and his wife Jane of Hubbardston, Lynda L. Jarrett of Framingham, Karen M. Kent and her husband William of Charlton, and Michelle L. Cox and her husband Sean of Charlton. She was blessed with her 12 grandchildren, who were her everything - Marissa Derderian-Berger, Leah Derderian-Kent, Andrea Derderian, Jennifer and Jillian Gregoriou, Lindsey and Erin Jarrett, Christopher and Vanessa Kent and Bennett, Cameron and Samantha Cox, a brother Richard McCluskey and his wife Phyllis of Worcester, a sister Patricia Larsen of Worcester, two sister-in-laws; Margaret & Rose McCluskey and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers; Byron, John and Robert McCluskey.
Bette was born in Worcester, daughter of Bernard and Mary (Bolton) McCluskey. She was an incredibly strong and hard-working woman. She was an impeccable homemaker. She worked in the cafeteria in the Westborough school system, was a bus driver for special needs children, a troop leader for Girl Scouts and a den mother for Boy Scouts. She then worked by her husband's side running his business, C&T Produce Company after her children had grown. While this was all a great source of pride for her - her favorite job was caring for her family. She took tremendous care of her late husband, who was her soulmate from the age of 15. Together they built a strong family. Bette loved to host everyone at her home in Westborough on weekends for pool parties and cookouts that the neighborhood surely could hear. As our family prepared for her passing we spent time reminiscing about all that she did for us. The words that were shared about her repeatedly were effortless and grace. Bette made everything look so easy. She served as a role model for us and we will be forever grateful to her.
The family would like to extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff at Life Care Center of Auburn. Our deepest appreciation for the tremendous care they provided to our mother - always treating her like family.
A Memorial service honoring both Tony and Bette will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Church,10 H Putnam Road, Charlton. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Breast Oncology Program, Boston MA 02215.