Elizabeth Bette (LaBarba) Petrucelli

Elizabeth “Bette” Petrucelli (née LaBarba) – Amesbury, MA

Elizabeth “Bette” Petrucelli (née LaBarba), lovingly known in her later years as “Lizzy,” passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital at the age of 94.

Lizzy was the daughter of Mary (née Pelosi) and Louis LaBarba, and grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in a large, close-knit family that shaped her sharp wit, steady warmth, and devotion to the people she loved. After marrying, she made her home in Milford, where she spent more than 60 years raising her children, caring for others, and building the friendships that would sustain her for decades. Later, she moved to Salisbury, Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael “Mike” Petrucelli and her siblings Anthony, Louis, and Angel. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Arsenian, with whom she shared a lifelong bond that distance never diminished.

Lizzy was the devoted mother of John Petrucelli and Annemarie Isler, and a loving mother-in-law to Brooke Anne Petrucelli and the late Hans Isler. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Hayley Petrucelli, Phoebe Isler, Madeline Otero, Erich Isler, and Tamsen Curley. She also had a special place in her heart for her granddogs, especially Niko, nearly her match in dog years, who always seemed to know exactly how to make her smile.

Her faith was the steady center of her life. A devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s in Milford, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and held a special devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

Lizzy formed many of her closest friendships while volunteering at her children’s elementary school, where she and her fellow volunteers became fondly known as the “Hot Dog Ladies,” a nickname, and a bond that lasted a lifetime. She later brought that same energy and humor to bingo games at her assisted living home in Salisbury, where her competitive spirit, quick comebacks, and quiet mischief kept everyone on their toes.

No memory of Lizzy would be complete without her kitchen. She expressed love through food, welcoming family and friends with generous meals that made everyone feel at home. Her playful charm followed her everywhere - even winning over her doctors, many of whom she cheerfully dubbed “Dr. Handsome,” much to their delight.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her faith, her humor, and the way she made people feel cared for simply by being herself.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Residents Activities Fund at the Assisted Living Center- Salisbury MA , 19 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA 01952. These gifts support the social programs and enrichment activities that brought Lizzy such joy in her later years.

Please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.

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