SALEM – Elizabeth A. (Betty) Townsend, age 74, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018 following a battle with cancer.  Her last days were spent surrounded by her loving family at her home.  Born in Portland, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Lila (Wood) Townsend.  Her family moved to Dorchester when she was 7 years old and that is where she was raised and educated.  She graduated from college with a business degree.  She started her career in cosmetology and later opened a child day care  in her home for many years.

Betty was very involved during the Civil Rights Movement.  She went to South Carolina to assist in voter registration and had attended several marches with Dr. Martin Luther King.

Betty met her husband, Richie Croteau in 1969 and married in 1970.  They moved to Salem where they raised their family.  Betty had a huge heart and concern for children.  As the years progressed, her home became the haven of love, caring and structure.  She raised more than 13 children that became her children.  Family was her life.

Surviving her is a large family, her children Jo Dean Townsend-Lewis, her husband Joseph Lewis and their two sons Coleman and Harry; James Townsend and his wife Holly of Ashland, MA; Rose Susi, her husband Jason Ford and sons of Salem, MA.;  Jeffery Taylor and daughters of Illinois; Gregory Taylor of Florida, Scott Winchester of Amesbury; Kevin Coleman, his wife Katherine & family of Salem; her grandchildren Michael Degeis & family of Danvers; Mathew Degeis of Beverly and numerous other grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by the late Raymond Greeley of Manchester, NH. And the late Angela Krenzel-Gill of Gloucester.

There will be a private celebration of her life for friends and family at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, Salem.  For additional information or on line guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com .