OBITUARY
Fitchburg
Betty Irene Tulonen, 60, of Fitchburg, died Saturday March 14, 2009 at
home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Betty leaves her parents Reino K. and Anna M. (Deery) Tulonen of
Fitchburg, her son Michael S. O'Dell; her daughter Melissa T. O'Dell both
of Fitchburg. She also leaves her brother Rodney Arthur Tulonen and his
wife Patricia Magrosky of Springfield, Vt.; her sisters, Joanne Tulonen of
Fitchburg and Elaine T
. Pierce and her companion Joel Slutsky of Walpole, N.H. Her first husband
Gordon O'Dell and her second husband Charles S. Valcourt both of
Fitchburg. Her nieces, Lucie Pierce, and Sarah Pritchett, and her nephews
Jeremie Pierce and Greg Tulonen. She was predeceased by her long time
partner, Tommy Hawthorne.
Betty was born in Fitchburg and was a lifelong resident. Betty worked
tirelessly for many years at Christ Church Thrift store and helping
homeless people throughout Fitchburg and Leominster. In 2008, she was
` awarded the Shining Star Award for seven years of volunteer work at
Battered Women's Resources, running their holiday store and working at
the shelter.
Betty was a quilter and a cook. She loved camping, birds and everything
connected with nature. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A funeral service for Betty will be held on Friday March 20, at Christ Church
569 Main St. Fitchburg,at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Forest Hill
Cemetery. Calling hours in the Bosk Funeral Home 85 Blossom St. are
Thursday, March 19 from 5:30 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions
may be made to the Battered Women's Resources 14 Monument Square
Leominster, Suite 400, Leominster, Ma. 01453.