Obituary of Elizabeth A Bishop

Elizabeth A. “Betty” (Jelley) Bishop, passed away at the Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH on Sunday, February 10, 2019, the beloved wife of the late Leon E. Bishop, Jr., Betty would have celebrated her 90^th birthday on February 26.

Betty was born in Cambridge. She was raised and educated in Allston.   She was the youngest of 18 children born to the late George and Catherine Jelley.   At the age of six months old her Dad passed away and her mom was left to raise 18 children on her own.   There was a large age difference between all the siblings but they all watched out for each other and cared for each other. 

Betty and Leon moved to Burlington in 1954 where they would become an active part of the community and raise their daughter Christine.   Betty worked as a Cafeteria Manager in the Burlington School System.  She worked at many of the various schools ending her career after 32 years at Pine Glenn School.  It was the perfect job for Betty because it gave her mother’s hours to be home with her daughter Christine and they also were able to see each other daily!   Betty was a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Burlington. She was very involved in the church and taught Religious Education.

Betty and her husband Leon were members of the American Legion Millican-McKenzie Post 273 in Burlington.  She was past president of the women’s auxiliary.    Betty and Leon attended all the events at the legion and made many friendships throughout the years.

After their retirement Betty and Leon would spend their winter months in Barefoot Bay in Florida.    She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Orioles in Florida which is a social and charitable organization and she was also a member Fraternal Order of Eagles another charitable organization in Florida   Betty and Leon loved to travel and took many cruises together as well as trips to Hawaii and other destinations within the United States.   Betty also enjoyed crocheting, golf and was an avid reader. She was known to read up to 3 books a week.

Betty had a wonderful relationship with her daughter Christine. They were more than mother and daughter they were friends. Betty was a loving and supportive mother who would do anything for her daughter.  In recent years Christine would do the same for Betty after her health began to decline.  After Leon’s passing Betty would spend more time with Christine, Charlie and her two grandchildren Chris and Stacey.  Betty would be included in the trips and activities that they took. She was very proud of her two grandchildren and they were the greatest joy to her.   

Betty was the beloved wife of the late Leon E. Bishop, Jr.  Loving mother of Christine M. Santamaria & her husband Charles of Londonderry, NH.  Proud grandmother of Christopher Bishop Santamaria & his wife Kelly Dixon of Manchester, NH and Stacey Ann Edwards & her husband James of Londonderry, NH.  Betty is predeceased by 17 brothers and sisters.   Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Thursday, Feb. 14 from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m.  Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 209 W. Center St., Natick, MA 01760  www.kidney.org