Elizabeth M. Laitinen

FUNERAL HOME

Dolan & Chapman Funeral Service

5 Canton Avenue

Milton, Massachusetts

Elizabeth Laitinen Obituary

Age 45, of Chestnut Hill, died unexpectedly at Falmouth Hospital on October 13, 2007. She was the beloved wife of the late Peter A. Laitinen. Betsy, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, had an array of professional experience working with the disabled population, with a focus on healthcare. Living with a disability she knew through both her personal and professional experience about the unique and intense health needs for this population. For eight years she headed the services and advocacy at the Boston Center for Independent Living, Inc. and then managed the Member Services at Neighborhood Health Plan's Community Medical Alliance Program. Most recently she was, a Chairman of the Board of Directors for Boston Community Medical Group, a Standardized Patient Educator at Tufts Medical School within the Family Medicine Clerkship, and a consultant for private and public entities. She is survived by her mother, Roberta "Bobbie" (Patch) Colpitts of Falmouth; four siblings, David Colpitts of Texas, Glenn Colpitts of Sudbury, Richard Colpitts of Maine, and Lynne Lewis of Braintree; an aunt, Virginia Bowers of Orleans; 13 nieces and nephews; and many cousins. She is the daughter of the late David B. Colpitts, and step-mother of the late Jarrett Laitinen. Visiting hours from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2007 in Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 5 Canton Ave, MILTON, MA, 02186. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Westgate Church, 100 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 30 Taunton Green, Taunton, MA 02780. Chapman, Cole & Gleason www.ccgfuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Laitinen

9 Entries

Pauline Young

November 22, 2007

TO all those in Betsy's family,
On this day especially, I am praying "with" all of you and thinking about Betsy and how difficult it is especially this time of yr. Betsy is still with you all, by your side as her spirit lives forever. We are all thankful for having her in our lives. Stay strong and know that Gods hand is within reach. God Bless all of you .

Peggy Sullivan

October 23, 2007

Betsy will be missed by many. She had a gentleness about her that commanded respect and admiration. Both she and her husband opened many doors of opportunity to the disabled.

Pauline Fiorentino-Young

October 20, 2007

TO the Colpitts family,
Betsy's memorial mass was so very beautiful and I feel honored to have known Betsy. Although Betsy and I had lost touch, I always thought of her and would ask around ( even a few weeks ago) " Hey has anyone seen or heard from Betsy? " I still share stories with my friends about the good times I shared with Betsy and our other friends, through H.S . Obviously, to have Betsy in my thoughts for all these years, she made a positive impact on my life and I am blessed. I wish I had contact with Besty especially when her husband had passed away as I too lost my husband suddenly four yrs ago. It had to be so difficult as I know that grief all too well. Now Betsy, although she left us too soon,is with her loving husband, her cherished father, adoring grand-parents, and precious niece in the utmost, everlasting eternal love. One thing life can not take away from us are the memories we all shared with Betsy. Memories to always warm our hearts.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

©Copyright 1998-2007

Marilee Colpitts

October 19, 2007

Betsy, I love you and will miss you and look forward to seeing you running and dancing and being completely pain free in Heaven someday. You were a wonderful sister in law, and let's take away the "in law" part and state that you were a wonderful SISTER. You are so loved by all of us in the famiy and your nieces and nephews all love you and Peter and our lives are so much more complete from having you in our lives....you will live on in our hearts until we meet up again! Until then, I will picture you dancing with Peter and Sarah! Love you forever, Betsy! Marilee

Ginia Dorfman

October 19, 2007

We all have been touched by Betsy's presence in our lives. Her strength and positive outlook in the face of her illness has been an inspiration for us all to live our lives the very best that we can. She will be sorely missed but her light shines on in our hearts. Ginia Dorfman

Marjorie Graber

October 16, 2007

God bless you Betsy, I will always treasure our friendship.

Paul & Kristin Rothenberger

October 16, 2007

We had the pleasure of meeting Betsy several times many years ago. We were both touched by her beauty, strength, and spirit. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family.

Laura Rauscher

October 15, 2007

Betsy was a soft spoken woman who spoke her mind about the things she cared about. She was full of love and concern for others. Her gentle, but determined spirit was an inspiration to those of us who fought beside her over the years for a better world for people with all types of disabilties. Her contributions were great, her voice was heard, and she will be missed by all who loved her and by the many who benefitted from her work without even knowing her name. Peace to you Betsy and to your family and friends.

Mary Tierney

October 15, 2007

We are so sad to hear of Betsy's passing. May she be at peace with her loved ones she missed so much. Betsy had courage when most would haven given up. She was so lucky to have such a supportive family and loyal friends. We know she loved you all very much. We are so glad to have been in touch with her most recently around her birthday. We will treasure the memories of Betsy - her kindess, sincerity and her wonderful laugh and smile. Because of Betsy we met, got married and had a family. She touched so many lives.
God Bless Betsy and be at peace.
With Love, Jim and Mary Tierney

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