Elisabeth G. Shayer "Betty"

Elisabeth G. Shayer "Betty" 94, formerly of East Providence and Barrington, passed away peacefully at The Scandinavian Home in Cranston on Thursday September 7, 2023.

Born in Providence, she was the only child of the late Richard C. and Ruth (Lunden) Greer.  She leaves her daughter Deborah S. Parziale, of Pleasanton, California, son Richard W. Shayer and his wife Peg Campion of Cranston.  She also leaves five grandchildren;  Meadowlyn Schilke (Kevin) of Oakland, Michigan, Naomi Shayer (Michael Hatjiyannis) of Lafayette, Colorado, Michael Parziale of Pleasanton, California, Alyse Etcheverry (Joseph) and Kevin Shayer of Gilbert, Arizona; as well as six great grandchildren; Nolan, Peyton, Lucas, Olivia, Madison, and Jameson.  She was the mother of the late W. Steven Shayer (Karla) of Bakersfield, California. 

Betty was born premature while her parents were visiting Aunt Olga (Lunden) Hassell in Providence.  Because it was wintertime and she only weighed 3 pounds, a matchbox was used as her bed, and she was kept warm behind the kitchen stove. 

She spent her early years growing up in the Greendale section of Worcester, Massachusetts.  At the age of 12, Betty’s father died suddenly from a heart attack.  Her mother decided to move to Bristol  so they could be closer to family.  Tragically, Betty’s mother passed away due to a brain aneurysm the following year.  She lived the rest of her teenage years with her Aunt Alma (Lunden) and Uncle Wilfred Clarke in Bristol.  Betty spent part of her summers in West Hartford, Connecticut enjoying the company of her dear cousin Robert "Bob" Lunden and his parents.  Over the years, she developed many close friendships in Bristol, held several different jobs to earn extra money, and was very involved with the happenings at St. Michael’s Church where she was a member of the choir. 

After high school she met and married William H. Shayer Jr in 1948, at age 19.  They lived for a time in Bristol, then Warren, and finally settled in Barrington to raise their three children.  She was a wonderful woman and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She created a good home where her children could prosper.  Later, she enjoyed working at the Outlet Company and Citizens Bank in Providence.

She loved life, and despite many hardships, she persevered.  She always saw the best in people. More than anything, she enjoyed getting together and spending time with family and friends.  After retiring, she traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.  She lived independently until the age of 92.  With very few resources she managed to live a very full life. She was loved by many, especially her family, and she will be missed.   

Services will be private and held at a later date.  Betty will be buried with her mother and grandparents at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.