Elizabeth F. Broughton

A proud Marbleheader, Elizabeth (known as Betty to many) was born the daughter of the late George W. & Margaret T. (Kieran) Atkins in Marblehead. She enjoyed a long and rich life, surrounded by four siblings and then husband and children, followed by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was beloved by all who knew her, family and friends alike. She was a second mother to many of her children’s friends.

Elizabeth graduated from Marblehead High School in 1946. While still in school she started working part time at the telephone company “Ma Bell” as an operator. After graduation she worked full time for several years until her first child was born. As her children grew into self-sufficiency, she embarked on a series of endeavors outside the home. Initially, as one of the first police crossing guards with the Marblehead Police department, she covered the busy “Five Corners” area and became a familiar face there. She then dove into fitness with the help of her dear friend Lori Castinetti, transitioning to aerobics instructor in her 50s and into her 60s.

Among her great passions was her Irish heritage and, beyond raising her family, she counted a trip to Ireland with her husband as a significant highlight of her life.

She appreciated and instilled in her children a love of being on the water and in the outdoors. Many summers were spent as a family either camping in New Hampshire or Maine, or on the family boat "Dorisa-C," including overnights on the Annisquam River. Another great passion was football, with her favorite teams being the Marblehead Magicians, New England Patriots, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Her grandchildren knew to expect a full debrief after every game. She also believed in, loved and surrounded herself by a collection of angels having them throughout her home and garden.

She is survived by her devoted husband Glover F. Broughton, sister Helen Mace, daughter Sandra, son Rick (Alison), and son Christopher (John Myers), along with seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her son Douglas, and brothers George Atkins and Stanley Atkins, and sister Lydia Rood.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the health care team at Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center and the Care Dimensions hospice care team.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 20th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. A burial service will follow on Monday, November 21st, at 11:00 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, 294 West Shore Drive, Marblehead MA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Children’s Transportation Fund - Aleppo Shriners, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington MA 01887-2148 or via alepposhriners.com/childrens-transportation-fund/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com or cards mailed to the Broughton family.