Elizabeth "Bette" Pacillo

On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Elizabeth Dorothy “Bette” (Moore) Pacillo, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family at the age of 91. Bette was born in Worcester, MA on January 28, 1928 to Thomas and Sarah Moore. She was the youngest of five children, William O’Hara, Margaret Myotte, Helen Callahan, and Marion Campbell.

She grew up during the Great Depression on Murray Ave, which she warmly remembered as “the block” and attended St. Paul’s Catholic school and graduated from Commerce High in Worcester. Bette made lifelong friends in the city and was a true Worcester girl. She often reminisced about going to dances, working hard to help support her family, and having fun with friends. She married the love of her life, Angelo “Tony” Pacillo, in 1948. They were married for 67 years, and had five children.

Bette dedicated her entire life to her family and friends. Bette and Tony’s home in Shrewsbury was famous for pool parties, bocce competitions, and endless amounts of meatballs and gravy. Bette warmly welcomed everyone into her home and treated them like family. She loved having conversations with friends and family at the kitchen table over donuts or butter pecan ice cream. Bette was a keen listener and honest with her advice, which would explain why her phone constantly rang at all hours.

The perfect example of a “hot ticket”, Bette was definitely one of a kind. She was witty, sharp, and stylish. Bette made friends everywhere she went, from her career as a loan officer at the Worcester Credit Union, to the winters she spent with Tony in Florida. She was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and loved to remind people that even though she made amazing Italian food, her maiden name was Moore.

After Tony passed away in 2015, Bette surrounded herself with family and friends. She loved spending time on Cape Cod and in Cambridge. She was a huge Boston sports fan, she never missed a Patriots game and referred to most Red Sox players by their first names as if they were old friends. Bette spent the final years of her life bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was able to live comfortably at home thanks to the dedication of her children.

Bette was predeceased by her husband Tony and her siblings. She leaves her children Jean Scott, Raymond Pacillo (Bonny), Joanne D’Errico (Michael), Anthony Pacillo (Christopher), and Maribeth Pacillo, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Bette’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Beacon Hospice for their kindness and assistance. We are all so incredibly sad to lose Bette, but we are grateful for her long, full life, and can take solace knowing that she is finally reunited with her parents and husband.

Calling Hours in Saint Anne's Church will be on Wednesday, December 11, from 10 am until at 12 Noon, when Mass will begin in the Church, which is located at 130 Boston Turnpike (Route 9 East) Shrewsbury.  Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint Anne’s Human Services, 120 Boston Turnpike Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.