Norwich - Elizabeth M. "Betty" LaFreniere, 87, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at her home.

Born in Norwich June 19, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Carmella (Tramontozzi) Coletti, and was the loving wife of Thomas "Tom" LaFreniere for 64 years.

Betty was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Class of 1952, and the Backus Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1955. She left nursing in 1965 to work side by side with her husband as owners of Bid's Tavern until their retirement, when they enjoyed many years of travel, recreation and fun together. Tom and Betty were well known for their love of music and their flair on the dance floor.

Betty earned noteworthy competition accomplishments for her baking/culinary skills and fortunate recipients of her homemade pies and other baked goods can attest to her cooking talents and warm, caring nature.

Betty was a woman of simple elegance who treated neighbors and friends as an extension of her family. Selfless by nature, Betty regularly provided extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity to those around her.

She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Norwich and was active in many civic organizations, including the Norwich Italian Woman's Society, William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary, NFA Alumni, and the Norwich Women's City Club.

In October of 2012, the Norwich Italian American Heritage and Cultural Committee honored Betty with its Italian of the Year Award, saying, "In recognition of a person whose continuing service and tireless efforts have contributed to the progress and betterment of our community, especially the Italian community."

In addition to her husband Tom, she is survived by her daughter, Jean LaFreniere and son Thomas LaFreniere Jr.; grandchildren, Lindsey Lemoine and David Gilman; sister Rita Tuttle; sister-in-law Elaine Coletti; and brother and sister-in-law Frank and Betty Coletti; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Larry Coletti; sister and brother-in-law Cesidia "Chizzie" and Frank Geraci; brother-in-law William Tuttle; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Bimbi LaFreniere.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at Sacred Heart Church, 57 West Town St, Norwich. Those attending should go directly to the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to perform an act of kindness as Betty did so often during her life. If you choose, donations in her memory may be made to: Norwich Free Academy Foundation, (Class of 1952 Award), NFA, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360; or Backus Nursing Education Fund (supporting frontline nursing staff), Backus Hospital Development Office, 326 Washington Street, Norwich CT 06360, or online at www.backushospital.org/giving

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Dec. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Lafreniere

Sponsored by Woyasz & Son Funeral Service - Norwich.

7 Entries

Marcy and Dr. Richard Geller

December 18, 2021

We were so sad to read of Betty´s passing. She was truly a lovely woman. We send our sympathy to the entire family.

Donna Landry and Ron Donovan

December 16, 2021

Tom and family our sincere condolences for your loss. Betty was
a wonderful, generous woman. Our prayers are with all of you.

Bill and Cheryl

December 10, 2021

Jeannie, our thoughts are with you and the family.

Bud Avdevich

December 9, 2021

Tommy and Family, What a sad loss. Betty was such a wonderful heartfelt person. I recall the old days when she made the awesome beef sandwiches at Bids, then the great trip to Gray Rocks Inn, St. Jovite Canada-3 wonderful daily meals and drinks in the pub with small band playing. Then as rookie cop, was riding bye your place, and on a whim, stopped with a friend of mine at your house, Betty and You were just serving dinner for your guests, the Fatone's, and Betty insisted that we sit down to join in the dinner. WOW! And, more recently, Betty was a patron of the same hair salon wife Sue goes to in Taftville. Sue and Betty would always chat. Can't close without mentioning her Dad, "Paisan," Colletti, whom I knew, and hadn't seen in perhaps 10 years. Just before Christmas CIRCA 1980, as Patrol Police Sgt., was riding in the cruiser, past Rose Garden, and Paisan dawned on me, so I stopped in driveway, he invited me in for Christmas "cheer" X's 2! Fortunately, it was about 1 hour before getting off the shift. Left Paisan's house, drove back to stationhouse, turned cruiser in and it was Ciao/Arriva der ci time. I can see where Betty got her special spark from-PAISAN!!! Have to end now, eyes are fogging up. Thank the 3 of you for being who you were/are. GOD BLESS!

Bob Claffey

December 8, 2021

Tom,
I'm so sorry for your loss but happy that she left you with so many good memories like how beautiful it was to witness your anniversary dance at the Yantic Firehouse after all those years together!

Rick and Kara Vendola

December 7, 2021

Tom and Family, So sorry for your loss, sending prayers and love,

Louie and Julie Malerba

December 7, 2021

Tom and family, our sincere condolences on the loss of Betty. Praying for Gods comfort and peace during this time.

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