Elizabeth (Hayes) Coleman
Elizabeth A. (Hayes) Coleman “Betty” 79, of Ashburnham and Cape Coral, FL, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at her home in Ashburnham, after a brief cancer illness. Betty was born in Lowell to Oswald and Ellen (Connolly) Hayes. She spent her early life in Lowell and Chelmsford and graduated from Lowell High School. After marrying Robert E. “Bob” Coleman Jr. in Chelmsford in 1961, she lived in Groton for 45 years and Ashburnham for 12.
She worked for many years at Hayes & Co. Jewelers in Chelmsford. Betty was an avid gardener, surrounding her home and family with vibrant flower gardens for more than five decades. She was passionate about animals of all kinds, especially horses and her two labradoodles, and enjoyed pony-cart driving with her charismatic pony, BJ. Betty served as District Commissioner for the Nashoba Valley Pony Club and was particularly committed to providing access to horseback riding for children from all walks of life. She enjoyed many travel adventures with her husband, family, and lifelong friends.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her siblings, James (Arlene) Hayes of Ossipee NH and Punta Gorda FL; John “Jack” (Cindy) Hayes of Kennebunkport, ME, and Dennis (Brenda) Hayes of Littleton; and the late Helen (Gerard) Gingras of Center Sandwich, NH. She was a loving mother to Maureen Coleman (Tom Harris) of Jamestown, RI; Elizabeth Coleman of Merrimac; and Kathleen (Richard) Ladendecker of East Springfield. She also leaves an adored grandson and many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Memorial services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to HealthAlliance Home Health & Hospice in Leominster, MA.