Elizabeth "Bettey" Anne Mary

Tobey

Elizabeth Anne “Bettey” (Finney) Tobey, 93, of Franklin, NH, died on November 9, 2026 at Concord Hospital, Franklin, with family at her side.

Bettey was born in 1933 in Massachusetts, to Elliott Homer Finney and Claire Esther Finney. The family returned to Concord, New Hampshire a few years later where she grew up with many fond memories. She attended St. John’s and Concord High School, graduating in 1951. Bettey attended Mount St. Mary’s College and the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1956.

After college, Bettey enlisted in the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign, serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer in Washington, D.C.

In 1957 she married her high school sweetheart, John Burgoyne “Jack” Tobey. After completing her Navy service, they settled in Vermont, living in Burlington, St. Albans, and Swanton, where they raised their children, Elizabeth and Jon. Bettey taught second grade in Milton and served as Administrative Director of the Franklin County Human Relations Service in St. Albans. She went on to earn a Masters of Social Work from the University of Ottawa School of Social Welfare in Canada and became a Pediatric Social Worker at the Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington. She continued, earning ACSW and Board-Certified Diplomate[JBT1] credentials.

In 1971 the family moved to Rye, New Hampshire, which was home for 35 years. Bettey served on the Rye School Board and worked as a Field Consultant for New Hampshire Health and Human Services and as a social worker in several area hospitals and agencies.

In 2006, Bettey and Jack moved to Franklin, living in an historic home. She liked to say she was an “antique” living in an antique. Bettey was generous and kind, always helping where she saw a need. She was curious and creative and never stopped learning. She filled a vacancy on the Franklin School Board, going on to win election to the seat. Bettey also worked in the school systems of Rye, Franklin, and Merrimack Valley. Additionally, Bettey served in positions at the Rye Public Library and the Rye Women’s Club.

In retirement, she co-authored a book, Concord, Through Time, published in 2015. She assisted Jack with his pyrotechnic business: Jack’s Five-Star Fireworks. Bettey loved to travel, enjoying frequent trips to the coast of Maine and was very proud of her dual Irish citizenship.

Bettey cherished the close-knit, supportive family she grew up in and worked to give her own children the same. She considered being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother one of life’s great blessings and was proud of her long and happy marriage with Jack.

Bettey was always caring for others in her family and community. She was an active member of the Franklin Historical Society and St. Paul’s Parish in Concord. She pursued her many interests of woodworking, bird-watching, and historical research. Bettey loved animals of all kinds, including wild animals, and had many feline companions over the years.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, William “Bill” Finney and her sister, Kathleen “Kay” Caldon.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Jack; her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Patrick; her son and his life partner, Jon and Amber. Also, her grandsons Gabriel, his wife Beth, and their children and grandchild; and Liam and his wife Elisabeth and their children.

For the past 4 years, Bettey and Jack have been residents of the NH Veteran’s Home in Tilton NH where they have become an integral part of that community and have received wonderful care and support. The family is eternally grateful to the devoted staff there.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date and Interment will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen with military honors. Specific dates and times still to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NH Audubon Society in Bettey’s memory.

Assisting with arrangements is Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Boscawen. To view Bettery's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.