Elizabeth Elenora SMSM

Sr. Elizabeth Elenora Carvelli, SMSM

"Sr. Bette Carvelli / Sr. Mary Rosaire, SMSM"

Of Waltham, entered eternal rest & peace in the loving arms of her God on Monday March 2, 2026, in the comfort and care of the staff at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley at the age of 99.

Sr. Elizabeth Elenora "Bette" Carvelli, SMSM, formerly known in religion as Sr. Mary Rosaire, passed away peacefully after a life of extraordinary faith, service, and missionary dedication. Born on June 30, 1926, she devoted more than seven decades to religious life and compassionate care for others, particularly among the most vulnerable.

Sr. Bette was the daughter of the late Pasquale Carvelli and Margaret Caruso. She grew up in a close-knit family with two brothers and two sisters. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dr. Robert Carvelli, DMD, and Dr. William Carvelli, DMD, and by her sister, Sr. Marie Cecilia, OPB.

Before entering religious life, Sr. Bette trained as a nurse and graduated from Carney Hospital School of Nursing in Boston. Guided by a deep sense of faith and service, she entered the Marist Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary on July 31, 1951. She made her first profession of vows on February 2, 1954.

Shortly after her profession, Sr. Bette was missioned to Makogai (Makongai), Fiji, in March 1954. There she began what would become a remarkable missionary journey, caring for and ministering to patients suffering from leprosy. Her work among the sick and marginalized in Fiji became a defining chapter of her ministry. While serving there, she made her final vows on February 2, 1960.

Sr. Bette faithfully served in Fiji until 1965, when she returned to the United States for a home visit and spiritual renewal. In 1966, she returned once again to Fiji, continuing her dedicated ministry until 1977. She was then missioned to the Chatham Islands, where she served from 1977 to 1980. Her missionary path next led her to Tonga, where she served until 1982, before returning again to Fiji until 1984.

From 1984 to 1987, Sr. Bette returned to the United States for another home visit and offered community service in Lexington. Her missionary spirit remained strong, and from 1987 to 1994 she again served in the Pacific, working in both Fiji and the Chatham Islands.

In 1994, Sr. Bette concluded her overseas missionary service and returned permanently to the United States, where she continued to serve in various community ministries until 2013. Even after decades of missionary work, she remained active, generous, and deeply committed to her religious community.

In July 2013, Sr. Bette moved to Marillac Assisted Living in Wellesley Hills, where she continued to be active and formed many new friendships with residents and staff. On December 14, 2023, she moved to Elizabeth Seton Residence, where she spent her later years surrounded by care, prayer, and community.

Sr. Bette will be remembered for her deep faith, missionary zeal, compassionate nursing care, and unwavering commitment to serving those most in need. Her life reflected the Marist spirit of humility, dedication, and love for all people.

Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of the Resurrection in celebration of Sister Bette's Life at the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence, 62 Newton St, Waltham on FRIDAY morning March 13th. We will pray the Rosary at 9:30 am followed by words of remembrance and the Mass of Resurrection at 10:30am. Visiting Hours will be held prior to the Funeral Mass in the Marist Missionary Sisters Residence from 9:00 am -10:30 am. Interment will follow the Mass in the Marist Missionary Sisters Lot at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Watertown followed by a Memorial Luncheon at 62 Newton Street. The Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels is assisting the Marist Sisters with these arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Marist Missionary Sisters

349 Grove St.

Waltham, MA. 02453-6018