Elizabeth Matonti Lucarelli

Elizabeth "Betty" Matonti Lucarelli, 106, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 7, 2018. She was born February 4, 1911 in Nutley, NJ. Betty had a great sense of humor, was optimistic, encouraging, and made friends everywhere she went. She was an elegant lady whose appearance was always meticulous. She enjoyed traveling, horseback riding, reading, playing golf, bridge, square dancing and was the best cook. Betty's mom was the first female Beauty Salon owner in New Jersey. In 1931, Betty joined her mother in Beauty Salon ownership. She retired from the Salon in 1966. She lived by example and embodied two of her favorite mottos, "Stay positive" and "Work hard, but play hard too."

Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Gustav Matonti, in 1978; son, John, in 1996; and second husband, Ernest Lucarelli, in 2014. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Julia Matonti; grandsons, John Daniel and Christopher Scott Matonti; stepsons, Gary and Ronald Lucarelli. Betty was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her, and she will surely be missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of one's choice.