Betty Lou Carroll, our Mom, Grandma, Mema, and GG, died peacefully in her home on May 30, 2026 at the age of 91. Betty was a woman who was always in control, and that was true right to the end. She had spent the afternoon playing Rummikub with two of her children and then later gently slipped away in her only daughter's loving arms. Born on May 24, 1935 in Sheldon Springs, Vermont, to Isabelle and Alonzo LaGrow, Betty's life was filled with love, laughter, adventure, and a quiet grace that guided her through every chapter.

Betty grew up on farms throughout Vermont, where she learned early the values of resilience, compassion, and finding purpose in life's gentle, daily rhythms. While attending Cathedral High School, she met her lifelong partner, Wesley James Carroll. Upon graduating, she immediately joined the New England Telephone Company, embarking on a dedicated career that lasted until her retirement. Her marriage to Wes at the age of twenty marked the start of a beautiful, lifelong adventure. Where Wes was vibrant and outgoing, Betty was the steady hand steering the ship, thoughtfully and quietly building a beautiful life for her family. She stood as their ultimate protector and unwavering backbone.

Betty knew what was important in life and found joy in the small things: working on a jigsaw puzzle, helping her great-grandkids find a hiding spot, watching The Three Stooges with her son-in-law, Bill, playing pinochle with family and friends, or just sitting at a slot machine in a Casino as one of the three Bettys. Some folks might live life hoping to fill their obituaries with accomplishments and accolades, but Betty wasn't one to celebrate herself. She knew who she was, was proud of her life and her family, and didn't seek out the praise or approval of others. She was always up for a glass of wine and a good laugh. You knew you told a good one when she gave you one of those looks.

A woman of immense wisdom and grace, Betty never spoke a bad word about anyone, teaching her family by example to always remain positive and kind. She was a master of practical advice, reminding everyone to live within their means, pay bills first, and make do with what they had. She always knew the right thing to do, and if you were ever unsure, she was happy to guide the way. While she and Wes led a remarkably full life traveling to all 50 states and throughout Europe, Betty was always happiest close to home. Her greatest joy was simply being surrounded by family and friends, whether sharing a meal around the table or sitting by the fire in Roxbury.

Betty is survived by her son James, daughter Shelley (Bill Baynham), son Jay (Mary), son David (Michelin), grandchildren Nikos & Angelos (and their mom, Paula Zontanos), Sam Cole; Sean O'Brien, Carly (Ben Rivard), Jillian (Kevin Womersley); Taylor, Jenna (Max Valentine); Wesley (Kaitlin), Malina (Max Kreisler), Kayla, and great-grandchildren Everett & Arlo Rivard, Logan & Finn Womersley, Liam Valentine, and Beau Carroll. Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law Sue LaGrow and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Carlton, Arnold, and Zenneth.

The family extends a special thank you to Amanda Champney, all of Betty's other caregivers, and hospice for their compassionate help and support. Betty will forever be remembered for her wisdom, her ability to communicate so much with a facial expression, and her fierce love that she shared with everyone in her life. This is not goodbye, just see you later.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, at 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Shelburne. Burial will follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery.