Elizabeth Zanca

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Zanca, 86, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed peacefully surrounded by love. Betty was born on July 5, 1939, in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

She was the beloved daughter of Margaret "Peg" Czyrklis and Joseph Czyrklis. She was predeceased by her brothers Edward Rowan, William Rowan, James Gillespie, and Paul Czyrklis, and is survived by her loving sister Jean (Czyrklis) Crowley.

Betty raised her family in Medford, Massachusetts with her first husband, William "Bill" Flannery, who passed on December 27, 1989. Later in life she found love again and shared many happy years in Onset, Massachusetts with her husband Donald Zanca, who passed on March 7, 2019. Through her marriage to Donald, Betty gained six additional children: Tommy Zanca, Teresa Zanca, Paul Zanca, Michael Zanca, Nancy A. Karsok, and Linda J. Demers.

She was a devoted mother to Lisa (Flannery) Dickenson and her husband Tad, Mark Flannery, Peter Flannery (who passed on June 25, 2025), Karen Flannery, and Jennifer (Flannery) Razzaboni and her husband Adam.
Betty was a proud and loving grandmother to Anastasia Dickenson, Catherine Dickenson, William Dickenson, Sarah Dickenson, Ryan Flannery, Ricky Flannery, Tommy Flannery, Riley Razzaboni, and Jack Razzaboni.
Betty began her career at John Hancock Insurance, where she loved to tell the story that her claim to fame was processing paperwork for Elvis Presley. She later worked for the Boston Bruins and eventually retired from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

She was known for her infectious smile, her quiet sense of humor, and her remarkable resilience, including being a liver transplant recipient. Betty had a deep love for writing poetry and often documented life's moments through her thoughtful prose.

A devoted New England sports fan, Betty enjoyed following her favorite teams and had the unique experience of working for the Bruins earlier in her career. Later in life she discovered a love of recreational golf and enjoyed traveling, visiting places such as Germany, Ireland, Hawaii, and Alaska. No matter where she went, she always treasured time spent with family and the simple joys of life.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and the light she brought to those around her. Her smile could brighten a room, and her words — often written in poetry — captured the beauty and meaning she found in everyday moments.

Her family will hold a private service, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty's memory to New England Donor Services 60 First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451, honoring the gift of life that meant so much to her.

Betty's love, laughter, and spirit will live on through the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.