Elizabeth 'Betty' La Freniere

Elizabeth La Freniere, 97, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, after a brief illness at Summerhill Assisted Living, her home for nearly 10 years.

Elizabeth, better known to her friends as Betty, was born and raised in Yonkers, New York, the daughter of Robert and Grace Zangler. She graduated from Gorton High School, then went on to obtain a BS from Tufts University.  She first came to the Monadnock region to work as hostess and activities director at Woodbound Inn in Rindge, a popular spot for young locals to also find a job or to cruise by to check out new staff.  It was one of these “cruisers” from Jaffrey, Francis (Fritzi) La Freniere, who eventually became her husband. After college, Fritzi was employed by General Electric, and they spent their first 15 years of marriage moving to various cities in New York where GE had a facility.  For many summers, they helped in the family business, Atlas Display Fireworks in Jaffrey and, in 1965 took over ownership and moved to Jaffrey.

Small town life instantly appealed to this city girl.  While raising five children, Betty participated actively in St. Patrick Parish and School and many community organizations including Meals on Wheels (nearly 30 years!), Jaffrey Woman’s Club, Girl Scouts, and Friends of the Library.  She loved the out of doors especially walking, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, camping with the family and riding her moped all over town!. She went back to school to become an LPN and worked locally for several years. She traveled worldwide with her husband on business trips.  In 1984 they converted their summer camp on Lake Contoocook in Rindge to their year round residence where she lived until moving to Summerhill Assisted living in Peterborough, NH.

Betty is predeceased by her husband and three children, Laura, David, and Susan, and her brother, Robert Zangler, Jr.  She is survived by her daughter, Martha (and her husband Charles Harris) of Rindge, and her son, Paul, of Marlow, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Rte. 202) Jaffrey, NH 03452.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452 with burial in St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Parish, or to Special Olympics NH, 650 Elm Street, 2nd Floor, Manchester, NH 03101.