CROWELL, Bette (Ely) On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, of New Pond Village, Walpole, Formerly
of Wellesley, MA, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 91. Three
generations of extended family were able to be with her in her final days.
Bette was born on September 11, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Richard and Louise Ely.
She was honored to be the first grandchild of the (sitting) Massachusetts Governor (1931-1935),
Joseph B. Ely. Bette loved growing up in her childhood home in Weston, MA, and enjoyed her
trips to East Brady, PA, Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Osterville, MA. She attended Beaver
Country Day School and Smith College where she sang with the Smiffenpoofs.
Bette’s home was always filled with countless photos of her family and friends. She bragged
about everyone she loved, including her late husband Richard Coleman, who she married late
in life. Loving mother of Cynthia L. Fougere of Sagamore Beach and her husband Michael,
Stephen R. Crowell of Natick and his wife Emilee, Stuart E. Crowell of Plymouth, NH and his
wife Marguerite, and Sarah C.Willis of Sagamore Beach, MA and her husband John. She was
Grammie to 11 grandchildren: Joshua, Adam, Kimberly, Rachael, Ben, Theresa, Meghan,
Hannah, Kaitlyn, Hailey, and Amanda. Also survived by 15 great grandchildren. Sister of the
late Patricia Foster and late Joseph B Ely II and her beloved late fur-family including her horse
Sheila, dogs Gunner and Jace, and cats Herbie and Mindy. Bette is preceded in death by her
first husband and father of her children, G Alvin Crowell Jr.
Theater and dreams were the heart and soul of Bette. She thrived as a writer, singer, dancer
and actress with the Vincent Club of Boston and the New London Barn Playhouse, later calling
the Weston Friendly Society her home away from home. She loved going to Boston to enjoy
theater, the BSO, and the Boston Ballet. She sketched and painted, and wrote plays, music and
poetry throughout her lifespan. She also created jewelry designs and managed Long’s Jewelers
in Wellesley, before finishing her working career at Marco Polo.
Bette loved caring for animals and almost always had one in her home. She cherished the
company of good friends and family and would do anything for you. As a strong independent
woman, her family, friends and pets were her companions. Her favorite pastime was simply
enjoying time with others and having good conversations. She had an enthusiasm for laughter
and was very quick witted. If you were able to dish a “zinger” back, she appreciated you even
more. Her quick wit was enjoyed by all right to the end.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Wellesley Village Congregational Church, 2 Central
Street, Wellesley, MA at 12:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Humane Society of the United States, 1255
23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, D.C. 20037 or The Weston Friendly Society, P.O. Box
162, Weston, MA 02493. For online guestbook gfdoherty.com.