Elizabeth Anne “Betty” (McDonald) Madden, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, and South Weymouth and Quincy, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence, Rhode Island. She was 72.

Betty was born in Boston on May 27, 1953, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Watson) McDonald. She was raised in Quincy, in the Houghs Neck neighborhood, attended local schools, and graduated from Quincy High School. Betty continued her education at Lemuel Shattuck, Quincy College, and later at UMass Boston.

Betty lived a life defined by compassion, adventure, and an unwavering love for people. A stranger to no one, she had the rare gift of making anyone she met feel like an old friend. Many would say that after just one conversation, you became Betty’s newest best friend.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Betty spent her career caring for others. She worked with South Shore VNA and Milton Hospital in Massachusetts before answering a deeper calling in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. After the loss of her husband, Betty courageously packed up her life and moved to New Orleans, determined to help rebuild healthcare services for those in need. She served the community there for 12 years, maintaining both her Massachusetts and Louisiana nursing licenses during that time. Later, she also practiced for a summer on Martha’s Vineyard, continuing her lifelong mission of caring for others wherever she was needed.

Faith was a cornerstone of Betty’s life. In New Orleans she became an active and devoted member and lay leader of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, where her warmth, generosity, and energy touched countless lives.

Betty was a mother not only to her own children, but to many. She loved her children unconditionally and supported their interests with enthusiasm and humor. Her reaction to life’s stories was never judgment, only encouragement. She was the kind of mom who responded with joy and curiosity. She celebrated her children exactly as they were and was endlessly proud of them.

She lived life to the fullest. A passionate traveler, Betty would go anywhere and try anything. Her journeys took her across the country and around the world, including travels through China, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. She loved music deeply and rarely missed a chance to hear it live, whether at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, local music venues, her eldest daughter’s performances, or concerts across the country.

Sports were another passion, and she visited many MLB ballparks and went to home games for both Boston and New Orleans professional sports teams, as well as her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Betty also cared deeply about the world around her. Causes close to her heart included animal welfare and LGBTQ equality.

Her love for animals was especially evident in the many pets she adopted over the years, particularly her beloved Shih Tzus, Fenway and Baby, who were constant companions and family members in their own right and who always attended church with her.

At home, Betty expressed her creativity through needlework, especially embroidery. She had a great appreciation for art and loved exploring fine museums as well as local art fairs, where she collected paintings, photography, jewelry, and handmade crafts.

Above all, Betty was known for her generosity. Her home was always open, her table always had room for one more, and she never hesitated to give, even when it meant giving more than she had. She was a woman of strong opinions, deep faith, and an enormous heart.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, laughter, and love. She showed everyone around her how to live fully, care deeply, and welcome others with open arms.

She will be profoundly missed by her children, family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her extraordinary life.

Betty was the wife of the late James Madden, who died in 2007. She was the devoted mother of Bridget Eileen Madden of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Gregory Madden and his wife Amanda of Wilmington, and Christine Madden and her wife Brianne of Springfield, Illinois. Betty was the loving grandmother of Lucas and William Madden, both of Wilmington. She was the dear sister of Robert McDonald and his wife Kathy of Quincy, Steven McDonald and his wife Mary of Quincy, the late David McDonald, and the late Thomas McDonald. Betty is also survived by her cherished cousin, Dominique Tobin of Walpole, her five godchildren, her mother-in-law Eileen Madden and her brothers-in-law in San Francisco, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main St. (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Betty's Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2 PM, at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St., Providence, RI 02909. Betty wished for attendees to wear snazzy and joyful outfits, instead of mourning black, for the celebration of life service. Details are available by clicking here.

Betty will be interred privately in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne after a funeral mass at Church of the Redeemer in Providence, later this year in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Louisiana SPCA by clicking here and Anna’s Place NOLA Youth Program, St Anna’s episcopal church, New Orleans, by clicking here and use drop down box for “Anna’s Place NOLA Youth Program”.