Elizabeth May LaLonde

MARBLEHEAD – Elizabeth "Betty" May Hilton LaLonde, a lifelong resident of Marblehead, died on November 9, 2026, at the age of 100. 

Betty was born on April 10, 1926, at Mary Alley Hospital on Franklin Street in Marblehead; her birth certificate lists her family's residence as Sorosis Farm. She attended Marblehead High School along with her younger sister, Marilyn, and went on to spend four years at the University of Kentucky. 

She married Harold J. LaLonde, and together they raised their children in Marblehead. In the 1960s, Betty owned and ran a restaurant in town, the Bide-A-Wee. After Harold's death about 55 years ago, she went to work for the pediatrician Dr. Duschan, and stayed there for 30 more years. 

At the request of her grandchildren, we share Betty's own words: "I am proudest of my children, and their children, and their children. I have held every one of them, and I love them to pieces! Just wish Harry could have been around. He would absolutely love them all, too." 

Betty is survived by her son, Stephen LaLonde, and his children, Julie, Melissa, Nicole and Bridget; and by her daughter, Candice Eliopoulos, and her children, Peter, Alexander and Stefan. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Aiden, Cameron, Ella, Maisie, Isla, Giovanna, George, Ava, Brady, Luca and Grayson. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold "Harry" J. LaLonde; her daughter, Cheryl; and her sister, Marilyn. 

Services will be private with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to the Devereaux Resident Activity Fund, 39 Lafayette Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. Services are under the care of Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. Salem, MA.