Elizabeth “Betty” Maddalena, nee: Merrill was born in North Attleboro Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Reginald Merrill Sr., and Madeline (Renner) Merrill, and she was the wife of the late Joseph Maddalena Sr. of Cranston, Rhode Island, where she lived most of her adult life.
Betty graduated from North Attleboro, MA High School class of 1940; Kenyon Commercial School; community College of Rhode Island; Rhode Island College and, upon her retirement, fulfilled a life-long ambition and obtained a Master’s Degree in Gerontology Studies from Rhode Island College. Betty retired from her position as an accounting specialist with the Department of Senior Services after initiating such innovative programs as “Meals on Wheels” for seniors. She also volunteered her services as an accountant for the Salvation Army.
Betty followed her passion for beautiful objects and started to collect and sell antique glass and pottery, a passion that she and her husband Joseph Sr. shared with their son Joseph whom she mentored from the age of 12. In fact, Joe, founder of the international auction company, Profiles in History, attributes his own passion for collecting and his expertise to the mentorship from his parents. Betty guest appeared on Joe’s television program, “Hollywood Treasures” in 2011. Betty was an avid reader and most especially found great solace in reading while caring for her husband Joseph during his illness. Although she moved from Cranston to Los Angeles several years ago, Betty maintained her friendships in conversations about books with her Cranston, Auburn and Attleboro friends, contacting them frequently to discuss that she and they had recently read.
Betty is survived by her beloved son, Joseph Michael Maddalena and her much loved grandson, Joseph Ellis Maddalena, with whom she lived, and her brother, Richard F. Merrill—all of California. She was the sister of the late Reginald Merrill Jr. of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Betty joins her late husband Joseph during a burial prayer service which will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery located at 301 S County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822 (401) 268-3088. Father Peter Lane, from the Maddalena Family home church, St. David’s on the Hill in Cranston will officiate.
It was Betty’s wish that her very favorite Auburn Library be recognized with donations for books and senior programs in lieu of flowers. Please contact Auburn Librarian Karen McGrath, 396 Pontiac Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-781-6116 for information about donations to senior reading programs.
