Freedom, NH

Elizabeth (Betty) Rousseau Godfrey passed away peacefully on November 12, after a long illness.  She was born July 10, 1937 in St. Petersburg, Florida to Louis & Catherine Rousseau weighing just 3 lbs., 13 oz.  Her strength and spirit developed early and continued to be a strong guiding force throughout her life.

Her father’s family  were early settlers of Pinellas County and it was in the orange groves of Florida that Betty spent her childhood years.  After the death of her father, her mother moved Betty, and her sister Joan, to New England, eventually settling in Freedom, NH.  In October 1956, Betty married Albert Godfrey and Freedom would remain their home for over 60 years.

Throughout those years and while raising her family, Betty played an active role in her community by initiating the first Red Cross Swimming Program,  4-H Club & elementary ski program for children in Freedom. She led the country’s Bicentennial for the town which included the renovation of the historic Town Hall & served on a number of committees, including the Cemetery Committee and Trustee of the Trust Fund.

Betty enjoyed long, lovely hours in her gardens & tirelessly researched descendants of both the Godfrey & Rousseau family, and the town of Freedom.  Her comprehensive genealogy traced her family back many generations to their roots in France. But her most precious time was that spent with her family: children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had endless energy and thrilled when she sensed mischief in a crowd.  She was loved and cherished by all and will long be remembered for her easy and frequent laughter and absolute dedication to family.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 60 years, Albert, her sister Joan Rousseau of Floral City, FL,  her daughters, April  & husband Scott Landale, Robin & husband Richard Despins, Janice Zecher, and by her son, Brian Godfrey & wife Karen; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her son-in-law Rick Zecher & grandson Matthew Smith.

There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Freedom on Monday, November 21st at 11 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, Laconia, NH.

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