Elizabeth Megliola

Elizabeth A. (Abbondanza) Megliola, known affectionately as Betty, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2020, in the presence of her loving children. She was born on February 16, 1931 and raised in Springfield by the late Giuseppe and Anna Teresa (Matera) Abbondanza. She graduated from Commerce High School, class of 1948. Before starting her family, Betty worked for John H. Breck, Co. She raised a family of five children and instilled in them a love of education and discovery. She enjoyed leadership roles in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, PTA and Holy Cross Women’s Club. These led to a position as an elementary school teaching assistant where she made a difference in kids’ lives. She had a great sense of humor and loved to dance and to watch classic movies. Her ability to make lasting connections with people surrounded her with many friends and bottomless pots of coffee. Betty had a love of and passion for all kinds of animals, especially her dog, Rascal. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed. She was predeceased by her sister Mary A. Tassinari; and her former husband, Alfred Megliola. She is survived by her sister Rose A. LaRussa of Springfield, MA and by her daughters Elaine M. Rigazio (Richard), Southwick, MA, Jeanne M. Altman (Jeff) New Canaan, CT, Marianne Ruggiero, Providence, RI, Amy J. Megliola (Nancy A. Remillard), Longmeadow, MA and son David J. Megliola, Orange, CT; her grandchildren Stephen Rigazio (Stephanie), Martha Urizar (Otoniel), Lisa Toal (Donald), William Ruggiero, Mary Elizabeth Ruggiero, Justin Altman (Katie) and Connor Altman, Daniel Megliola, Derek Megliola; and great-grandchildren Alessandro Urizar, Diego Urizar, Alexander Rigazio. Services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Forastiere Smith Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.foratiere.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Adventure Park, Harpursville, NY 13787 at https://theanimaladventurepark.com/product/giraffe-care-support/.