Shrewsbury – Betty Prue’s long struggle with illness, including a 7-year battle with a brain tumor, came to a peace-filled end Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 with her family gathered by her side. She was 80.
Born April 20, 1934 in Worcester, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Dorothy (Riedl) Marsh. Raised and educated in Holden, she graduated from the former Holden High School and earned her associate’s degree from Becker Junior College. She worked as a medical secretary at Dr. Wilfrid Small’s office.
She married John F. “Jack” Prue Nov. 6, 1954 in Saint George’s Church in Worcester. They lived over 50 years in Shrewsbury before moving to the Highlands Retirement Community in Westborough last year. She and Jack loved their new lives and home at The Highlands.
After staying at home to raise her three children, she went back to work as a medical secretary at Hahnemann Hospital and the Rehabilitation Center at Lincoln Plaza.
Having celebrated almost 61 years of marriage, Betty and Jack had a wonderful friendship. The secret to the success of their marriage was featured in an article in the Telegram & Gazette Feb. 11, 2005 as they marked their jubilee anniversary. The success of their marriage was the manner they treated each other in their day-to-day lives. Jack and Betty had good communication and a positive attitude. And as they grew old together they still found the beauty in the person they’d met years ago. Jack proved true to the sacrament and vows of his marriage: in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. He was constantly by her side throughout her illness, advocating and providing for her care and by her when she died.
They often attended functions and dances at Shrewsbury’s Adelphi Council #4181 Knights of Columbus, where Jack was an active member. Annual vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay, and Florida are treasured memories. She loved time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Eric, Kirsten, Joshua, Zachary, Benjamin, and Hunter.
In addition to her husband of 60 years, Jack, she leaves her children, Stephen J. Prue and his wife Darryl of Auburn, Maine, Michael J. Prue of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Linda J. Pearson and her husband Brian of Barre; her six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Robert Marsh.
Family and friends will honor and remember Betty’s life by gathering for calling hours Sunday, Feb. 1, from 1-4 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House ~ On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Monday, Feb. 2, at 9 a.m., before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Betty’s family offers words of gratitude to close family friend Mary Shea; Becky Roman and the staff at Whittier Rehablitation; and Drs. Nancy Berube, Paula Bellin, Richard Moser, Syndey Kadish and their staffs for the exceptional care and ability to provide Betty with many years of life beyond her initial diagnosis.
Honor Betty’s memory with a contribution to St. Mary’s Church, Capital Campaign, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or Shrewsbury Lions Club, c/o Richard Ricker, 11 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury.
