Elizabeth "Betty" Marie (McMorrow) Cloonan

Elizabeth (McMorrow) Cloonan, age 93, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025.

Betty was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, to Elizabeth (Murphy) and James McMorrow of Woburn. She grew up in Woburn before settling in Salisbury, where she spent most of her life and became a beloved and deeply respected member of the community.

Betty is survived by her son, Jim Cloonan, and his wife, Taya, of Charlestown, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Cloonan, originally of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and by her sister, Patricia (McMorrow) Strom.

Before marrying and becoming a mother, Betty worked at Sylvania, a time she often spoke of with fond memories. After Joseph’s passing, she demonstrated remarkable strength and independence by running O’Shaffee’s for many years, becoming a familiar and trusted presence to all who knew her through the business.

While O’Shaffee’s was her job, volunteering was her true passion. In 1974, Betty founded Salisbury Santa’s Helpers, an organization dedicated to helping less fortunate families during the Christmas season. This work was her greatest joy and life’s calling, and through it she touched countless lives with her generosity, compassion, and quiet determination. Helping others, especially children and families in need, was at the very heart of who she was.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, strong sense of purpose, and unwavering commitment to her community. Her legacy lives on through the many families she helped, the organization she built, and the love she gave so freely.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday December 22, 2025 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday December 23, 2025 at St. Andre Bessette Parish Star of the Sea Church in Salisbury. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to Salisbury Santa’s Helpers by mailing a check to Salisbury Santa’s Helpers, P.O. Box 5207, Salisbury, MA 01952, or by visiting https://salisburysantashelpers.com and scrolling to the bottom of the page to make a donation.

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth "Betty" Marie (McMorrow) Cloonan, please visit our floral store.