Elizabeth C. 'Betty' Carracini

I am Aunt Betty's nephew, Steven Prato, second son of her brother, Bruno Anthony. About five years ago I had asked her if we could talk sometime about my father and his life as a young person, just so I could get to know and understand him. She was very willing to meet with me and talk, but before I was able to arrange a get together, she sent me a long email about him out of the blue. There was a section in this letter that still brings me to tears, as much about her as about my father. Here it is for you in her own words:
"... at a young age your dad went into the service, as I told you, and nanny told them to keep him there. I have the most loving memory at the age of 8, when he came home on furlough, I was playing in a neighbor's yard, we lived on Holworthy Street in Cambridge and he stood on our back porch, (which we called a piazza) and when I looked up and saw him, I screamed, went running 2 houses home, into the back yard and up a flight of stairs and into his arms, crying and kissing him. Steven Oh I loved him so, and we could not wait for nanny to come home and we could surprise her. I will NEVER forget that. He was so handsome in his uniform. Steven he was a good man, a loving man..."
Dear Aunt Betty, I hope your are once again running up those stairs and into your brother's arms. May you rest in peace and love. And tell him we love him too.
With love, your nephew,
Steven

I met Betty when she was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program here in Waltham. She and I enjoyed a very short friendship but it was a very heartwarming one. She was an understanding woman and showed her kindness in so many ways. She will be sadly missed by all of us who had the opportunity to be blessed with her wonderful open and caring ways .

Gee Gee & Tommy words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You all took such good care of her. Love the Irvine family

I was so happy I was able to drive my mom down to visit you so many times. One of those times was Christmas, and it was so magical to be able to spend your last Christmas with you and the family. We haven't done that for years and it felt like life came to a full circle that day.
I have a lifetime of memories with you but those visits were extra special. To see the love and happiness it brought to both of your faces every time we visited was priceless. It truly was a gift to see.
I am honored and forever grateful you chose to speak with me when you were being called home. I felt your love then and I feel it now. You fought such a hard battle for so long with such dignity and grace. We all knew this time would come. Unfortunately it's a time that you can't emotionally prepare for. I will miss you, but will take comfort knowing there is no more suffering, and that you'll be watching over all of us until the day comes, that we are called home. Love Kit Kat

Betty was my dear aunt and close family pal. She was my link to my father and her brother Bruno Anthony Prato, called Tony. I was her link to her much-loved brother. She was always telling me that "you sound just like your father!"

I have known Betty my whole life, and since I worked close by at Ionics, we got together on a regular basis to have lunch or dinner at restaurants in Watertown and Waltham--we had our five or six favorites including the Chateau or 'that Greek joint near the mall.'

We would talk nonstop, go through the list of family members and catch up on all the news, good and bad--it was always a special time, And in departing, she always said "Give my love to Jan," my wife.

When her sister Josie moved up to NH to an assisted living place, I would drive us up to see her for a nice visit. On the way, we would stop off at the rest stop to buy wine for Gina and to get some $2 scratch tickets. I still have on one in my car--It's a $4 winner! I guess I'm gonna keep it.

Despite all the ups and downs of our lives, Betty loved us, and her heart was big enough for all of us.

I will always dearly miss her.
Teddy

It's been a long good bye mom
The last five years mom have been the hardest for you but you never gave up . Your will to live , your Belief in god and your love for us was never shadowed by your illness ... you wouldn't allow it .
It's been a long good bye mom , a reminder of being PRESENT,RESPECTING YOU for who you are but most of all , who you had become .
Every day , every night I'd wonder when your journey home would begin praying all your illnesses would be gone - you'd find peace and be free .
My long good bye has ended Mom - you are free and you are at peace .
Mom ... thank you for the talk we had - your forgiveness and most of all your love .
I miss you my drewsalina ....
Love you so much
Gi-gi

To Teresa, and all of Betty.s family, I am so sorry to hear of your dear Mom's passing...She was a beautiful lady, in, and out. Saw her many times at the senior center, and she always had a smile as we chatted. May she rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves. A special prayer that through family, and friends, there will be some consolation, on your huge loss. With deepest sympathy, Jeanne Iodice

Gee Gee & Tommy words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss, you both took such good care of her. Love the Irvine family

To the whole family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special person and will be missed by every person she met. She touched so many hearts. She will be smiling down on all who loved her. May she rest in peace.

My sweet Mom,
I could not have hand picked a better person to be my mother, I was always honored to be your daughter and your oldest. Thanks for always sharing in my laughter and sharing in my tears, my only wish is that you could wipe my tears away now. Thank you for all the scrabble games not sure who those meant more to but I sure enjoyed playing that with you. You are the strongest person I know right to the end when things were not easy for you, you always had a smile. I miss you so much and will for the rest of my life. As you told me two days before you passed I will be alright because you will watch over me. It is not goodbye Mom it is until I see you again. Love you Always, your daughter Debra

We got to know Betty when she cared for our beloved shih tzu Sasha. She had a small business in her home called 'Small Dog Inn." Our dog loved going there. Only small dogs were allowed which was perfect for our furbaby. We learned about her passing from our neighbors who are long time friends. I know she will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.

I can no longer see you with my eyes but I will feel you in my heart forever. Love and miss you so much mom. You are my sunshine xoxo

I AM SO SORRY GINA & TOMMY . MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ! MAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL MOM RIP. XOXO

I will Always remember your mom as "Nana Betty" from my Avon selling days. She would call me to put in an order and before you know it, 15-20 minutes later we were just chatting about everything and nothing. She really was such a nice woman, so happy I was able to have met her.

I hope the beautiful, happy and warm memories that you will hold so close in your heart bring comfort and strength.

With deep sympathy.
Love Nancy

Mom

Dear Mom,
I just want you to know how proud I am to have you for my mother. The courage and strength you showed these past years were incredible! Every day there was a smile on your face even when we knew it wasn't your best day. I loved coming over and spending time with you, playing lots and lots of scrabble games! I miss you so much! You will always be my hero and my beautiful mom
Love you lots'
Teresa