M. Elizabeth (Severens) Franklin

Newport, NH: 
M. Elizabeth Franklin, 87, called Betsy by those who knew her, passed away after a thankfully brief illness on February 20, 2022.

Betsy was born June 12, 1934 in NH to Albert J. and Mary T. (Moriarty) Severens, joining an older brother, John. The family moved from Nashua to Claremont when she was young so Betsy always thought of Claremont as "home". She graduated from Stevens High School and had great fun over the last 70 years attending alumni activities, especially the last one in October, 2021. In 1954 Betsy graduated from Mt. Ida College in Newton, MA. As an aspiring writer, she spent several years as a journalist for the Daily Eagle newspaper in Claremont, NH.

After her marriage to Peter E. Franklin, Betsy spent her time raising her family of four children and helping her husband manage the family-owned business, the Winston Hotel, in Newport, NH.
Betsy also worked for a short time at Ruger's but in her later years she was a fixture at the Newport Laundromat and Car Wash. She truly enjoyed her time there and was a loyal employee well into her seventies.
Writing was an activity that Betsy always enjoyed and in her later years she composed poems and sent lengthy texts to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching Judge Judy and loved feeding treats to all dogs that she owned or met. Those who knew Betsy will remember her indomitable and strong, independent spirit. She lived her life as she chose until the end.

Betsy was preceded in death by her father, Albert; her mother, Mary; and, her brother, John. She is survived by her children: Karen (Eggert) Hautaniemi and husband David of Vienna, MO; Sandra (Eggert) Greenwood of Newport, NH; Naomi (Franklin) Fitzgibbons and husband James of Meriden, NH; Peter D. Franklin of Newport, NH; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday March 5, 2022 from 2-4 PM at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH.
A private burial will be held in the spring.  

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