Elizabeth Alena Lonergan, known as Betty Alena or Aunt Betty to most, liked making people happy. Whether she was enjoying the spotlight or letting her loved ones shine, she was famous for saying, “Whatever your little heart desires. “ And she meant it. She was that Aunt who bought you that special something your parents wouldn’t buy, or gave you a Lyndell’s cupcake before dinnertime. She was one of a kind.
Betty Alena was called to Heaven on November 9, 2018. She was 78 years old.
In death, Betty joins her father and mother, John and Elizabeth Lonergan, and her brothers, John, Jimmy, and Kevin Lonergan.
She leaves behind her brother, Arthur Lonergan, and sister-in- law, Judy Lonergan, both of Medford and many nephews and nieces from Massachusetts, Florida, and California.
Born on October 14th, 1940, Betty grew up in Medford, Massachusetts in a traditional Irish Catholic family. She was the only girl of 5 children. Nurturing was in her DNA. She doted on her brothers, adored her parents, and would later share that same gift of love with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed summering on the Cape, in the town of Falmouth, and believed the answer to any physical or mental health affliction could be found in the sea and the salt air.
Her good nature was tested early in her young life by multiple tragedies.
Betty’s father died when she was just 14 years old. Heartache struck again 14 years later, when her brother, Jimmy died in a car accident. She said these experiences molded her into the woman she became, and it was the love of family and unwavering faith that pulled her through her darkest times.
After graduating college from U Mass Boston, Betty entered the political scene, working at the Middlesex County courthouse for over a decade before heading up the office of Congressman, Joe Kennedy. Although an assiduous politico, Betty left this path behind, and joined the medical field, where she managed doctor’s offices until retirement. . Her remaining years were spent in her hometown where she lived with her brother, Arthur.
Friends say they could always count on Betty to keep them smiling. She was often the enchanting center of attention. She loved to sing and dance and often drew you in with stories filled with such distinction of detail, that your absence of personal experience became insignificant. You felt like you knew people you never met and did things you never imagined.
She was playful, but with purpose.
If you told her you loved her. She would famously respond, “I love you MORE.”
She had a way about her that made everyone feel special. So much so, that one time when her nephew, Jay crossed paths with a stranger who started talking about, “Aunt Betty”, he stopped him mid sentence to ask, “Are you talking about MY Aunt Betty?” Of course he was. She wasn’t just ours, everyone had an affinity to “Aunt Betty”.
She was loved. Is dearly missed, and will forever be cherished. Betty Alena, WE LOVE YOU MORE.
Visiting hours for Betty will be held on Friday, November 16th from 10:30-11:30am at St. Joseph Church, 114 High Street, Medford with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11: 30. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at St. Joseph’s School, 132 High Street, Medford, MA 02155.