Elizabeth F. Heroux

Elizabeth F. Heroux, 70, of Bedford, NH, died on Friday, June 19 after a period of declining health.

She was born on April 2, 1938 in South Orange, NJ to Louis & Elizabeth (Damata) Selitto. She grew up in a large, loving family, and was pre-deceased by her three brothers. Her two sisters were her best friends then, and today as well. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Westfield, NJ, where she met her husband , John B. Heroux. Their 47th wedding anniversary was 2 days before her death.

She graduated from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, PA in 1958, and began her career as an elementary education teacher at Holy Trinity School in Westfield.

After her marriage in 1961, she devoted herself to a full time career as wife and mother. After the birth of her two children, the family settled in Madison, NJ, where she was involved in her children’s activities. A corporate relocation brought the family to Bedford in 1975, and she made Bedford, and New Hampshire, her new home.

As the children grew, she returned to the work force, and began a career in the hospitality industry. First at the Hanover House Restaurant in Manchester, then in sales at Holiday Inn West, and the Sheraton Wayfarer, where she met many media personalities, including ABC’s Peter Jennings, during primary coverage. Before retiring, she was Sales Manager at The Highlander Inn in Manchester.

She cherished her five grandchildren, and in retirement, became almost a full time Grandma. She was there for all their big days, from birth to birthdays, some sporting events, ballet recitals, plays, and visited spontaneously, just to see them. Two days before her death, she received a call from two grandchildren, who told her about their final report cards. Her eyes were shining, she was smiling, throughout the conversation, and it was the highlight of her final days. Her grandchildren were the stars in her heaven. She was a best friend to her children, her grandchildren, and her sisters.

In retirement, she served as a volunteer at Our Place, a division of Catholic Charities. Later in life, she was active in the Bedford Women’s Club. Her interest was in the Dress for Success program, a collection of business wear for low income women.

In addition to her passion for her grandchildren, there was golf, The Boston Red Sox, and photography. She was a quiet artist as well. She loved to travel with her husband, John, and they had been throughout the United States, as well as Montreal, Quebec City, London, Rome, Bermuda and The Bahamas. One of her favorite travel stories was the day she was pick pocketed in Rome.

Elizabeth lived her life in dignity, loving passion, and with the love and respect of her family and friends. She is sorely missed.

Her death came two days after her 47th wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband John of Bedford, she is survived by her daughter Mary Beth O’Malley, her husband Patrick, and their children Gillian and Conor of Scituate, MA. Also, her son Jay, his wife Jill, and their three sons Alex, Zachary and Nicholas of Warrenton, VA. Her surviving family of origin members are sisters Marie Ruggles of New Boston, Ann Selitto of Weare, niece Amada Ruggles of New Boston, and many nieces and nephews throughout the Country.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 24, from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover Street, corner of Union Street, in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Seton, 190 Meetinghouse Road, in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on behalf of Nicholas Heroux to Children’s National Medical Center 111 Michigan Ave., Washington, DC 20010. Either to the Heart & Kidney Department, or the Center for Neuro Science.