Obituary of Elizabeth "Betty" M Penno

Elizabeth M. (Lord) Penno passed away at her home on Tuesday evening, October 19, 2021. She was 82 years old.

Betty was born, raised, and educated in Watertown. She was the daughter of the late George and Virginia Lord.  Betty moved to Burlington in 1972 where she would raise her 6 children.   Betty was a strong and independent woman; she was an expert at multi-tasking.  In addition to providing a loving home for her family she worked full-time. She worked as an administrative assistant until her mid 50’s when she made a bold move to go back to college to become a Medical Transcriptionist.  Her family was very proud   as Betty stood on the stage at Middlesex Community College and received her diploma!  She went on to work for Health & Addiction Research Company in Boston.  She would take the train into Boston every day and then return home to make sure there was a home cooked meal on the table for her family. 

Betty was very creative and a talented craftsman.  She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and creating special gifts.  Her love of crafts brought her to her part-time job at the Fabric Place Store at the Woburn Mall.  She loved her job and with her talents she was an expert at helping her customers select their fabrics.  After her retirement she continued to work at the store until they closed their doors.  Betty made many lifelong friendships at the Fabric store that she cherished. 

Betty always looked forward to Wednesday nights when she would play bingo with her friends at the Billerica Elks.  She loved the ocean and when her children were young, they enjoyed family vacations at Hampton Beach.   Being the true New Englander that she was Betty was a huge Boston Red Sox and Patriots fan.   Betty’s greatest joy was her family.  She was an awesome mom and a doting Nana.  Spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren would light up her day!   Betty will be remembered for her love of life and devotion to her family.

Betty was the loving mother of Jeanine Montecalvo & her husband Ralph of Stockton, CA, Sandra Getchell & her husband Ken of Burlington, Michael Penno of Augusta, ME, Karen MacKinnon & her husband Stephen of Haverhill, Michele Cimino & her husband David of Burlington and Tracy Downey & her husband Mike of VA.  Betty is also survived by 14 grandchildren & 15 great grandchildren. Sister of Fred Lord & his wife Nancy of Bedford.   Family & friends are invited to attend a celebration of Betty’s life at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington Saturday, October 23rd from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Services being held at Noon.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Betty’s name may be made to The Girls and Boys Club of Woburn www.www.bgcwoburn.org