Elizabeth Stone

Elizabeth M. “Betty” (Pagano) Stone 89 a longtime resident of Harvard, MA, passed away peacefully March 15, 2023 at the Life Care Center in Leominster, MA after a lengthy illness.

Born on December 8, 1933 in Winthrop, MA, she was the daughter of Anthony and Adeline (Lawliss) Pagano.  Betty was raised and educated in Ayer, MA, moving to Lynn, MA after her father retired from the U.S. Army where she graduated from high school.  In 1952 she married Clifford (Glen) Stone moving to Harvard, MA where she raised her five children.

Betty worked for the Town of Harvard, where she was the town accountant for 22 years, serving on many boards for the town. She was also the first member of the Harvard Ambulance Squad, was an EMT and EMT Instructor.

The widow of Clifford G. Stone, she is survived by her children, sons, Carl S. Stone and his wife Doreen of Fitchburg, MA, Brian G. Stone and his wife Juanita of Westminster, MA; daughters, Claudia A. Jones and her husband Mike of Ayer, MA and the Reverend Brenda L. Gourdeau, S.M.J.C. and her husband the Most Reverend Andrew. J. Gourdeau, D.D., S.M.J.C. of Haverhill, MA.  She also leaves her grandchildren, great-grandcildren and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her son Gary E. Stone, great-granddaughter Katrina Jones, and her longtime friend Al Connell.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 10:00a.m. at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Ayer, MA.  Immediately follow services a family gathering will be at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, MA.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry P.O. Box 1 Ayer, MA 01432.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rivet Funeral Home, Merrimack, NH.