Betty Gelinas

Betty Gelinas, 84, of Fitchburg, passed away on November 15 in her home.

Betty was born in Fitchburg and lived in the city all of her life. Her parents, Noella and Leo Gelinas, predeceased her. She was the oldest of six daughters and leaves her sisters Nancy Turner, Judy Shaughnessy, Marie LaMora, Deborah Gelinas, and Cindy Kendall who were devoted to her and shared laughter and love with her all her life. She leaves brothers-in-law Larry Turner, Roger LaMora, Doug Maccardini, and Jim Kendall. Her brother-in-law Bob Shaughnessy passed away in 2021.

Betty was married to Richard LaBelle and they had four children together: Kathy, Michael, Jim, and Jean. Michael predeceased Betty in 2023. Betty also leaves her daughters-in-law, Amy LaBelle and Daniele Dacalor as well as a son-in-law, Dennis Pierce. Betty leaves four grandchildren as well, Tom LaBelle and his wife Gaby Cedeño of Miami, Meredith LaBelle and her fiance Jack Confrey of West Roxbury, and Elise and Gabrielle Pierce of Fitchburg.

Betty was married to Bob Reinschild from 1986 until 1995. They enjoyed dancing, singing, and traveling to Europe. Betty was a fantastic dancer and beautiful singer.

Betty had a degree in geology from Fitchburg State College and got her MBA at Western New England University. She worked many jobs in her life, from factory work to selling real estate. She volunteered at Reingold Elementary School and with Literacy Volunteers. She donated to numerous charities and wrote scores of Letters to the Editor to the Sentinel. She also wrote a book. She was an avid reader; the Fitchburg Public Library knew her well, and Betty continued to take ALFA courses at Fitchburg State University up to last year. She was very enlightened about the state of world affairs and loved to talk about issues and ideas she cared deeply about.

Betty was an artist and crafter. Her many paintings and cross-stitch works adorn her house and her loved ones’ homes. She was a loving mother and adored her role as a grandmother, always proud of her family’s accomplishments and interested in their lives. She loved spending time with “the girls,” Lois, Margaret, and Sharon, as well as Fran and Den Pierce and Ruth and Peter Michel.

Betty was cared for in the last few months of life by a devoted caregiver, Mary Wanjiku. Her children and sisters and friends all helped Betty in this difficult year. 

There will be visitation hours on Sunday, November 24 from 10 AM-Noon at Brandon Funeral Home in Fitchburg with words of remembrance being shared at noon.  Burial will be private.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor Directors.