With heavy hearts, we remember the life of Elizabeth “Betsy” Carpenter Santerre – beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted member of our community. After a courageous four-year battle with cancer, Betsy passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at the age of 64.
Born on November 29, 1960, Betsy lived a life defined by resilience, warmth, and devotion. Throughout her life, she made a lasting impact on countless lives through her work, her volunteerism and her generous gift of time. Beyond her dedication and charitable acts of kindness, Betsy was simply fun. She loved to have a good time, had a razor-sharp wit and was often the life of the party. Her sense of humor, joy for living and infectious spirit brought light and laughter wherever she went. She had an unmatched ability to lift spirits, spark laughter and make ordinary moments unforgettable. Betsy possessed a remarkable memory; whether it was a shared joke, a heartfelt conversation, or the intricate details of family history, she held onto the things that mattered. Her ability to recall with precision made her not only a trusted source of information but also a keeper of moments that brought joy and meaning to others.
Betsy dedicated 38 years of her professional life to Quinebaug Valley Community College, retiring in 2022. Over the course of her long tenure, she built lasting friendships and earned the admiration of both colleagues and students. Her time at the college stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment, loyalty, and the meaningful impact she made on everyone around her.
Betsy was also well known throughout Northeast Connecticut as one of 129 women who participated in Follow the Fifty: Models of Heart Health-a transformative initiative promoting cardiovascular wellness. Over the course of nine months, she and her fellow participants embraced a heart-healthy lifestyle, inspiring others along the way. This effort was yet another reflection of her deep commitment to both personal growth and the well-being of her community. In recent years, Betsy was a dedicated member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks 574 for 10 years, where she proudly served as Exalted Ruler from 2023 to 2024. During this time, she led the lodge to a first-place finish for Lodge Activities in Division 4 and founded its first women-only pitch team, serving as the spirited captain of “Betsy’s Babes.” She deeply cherished her Elks family, forming lasting friendships through her commitment to this charitable organization – an enduring reflection of her generous spirit and love of community.
Betsy is survived by her mother, Constance “Connie” Carpenter; her children, Lucas Santerre and his girlfriend, Montana Hoffmann, Paige and Mark Glennon; her siblings, Brad and Donna Carpenter, David Carpenter, and Jane and Brian Howell; and her beloved nieces and nephews: Casey and Emily Carpenter, Kari and Jon Ebert, Travis Howell and Kelsie Boulet-Briere, Kelsey and Chris Collette, Jacob Carpenter and Rose LaFleur, and Arianna and Addison Howell. She is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews. Additionally, she is lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews gained through her marriage to her former husband, Robert (“Bob”) Santerre. Betsy was preceded in death by her father, Donald Carpenter, who died in 1996.
Betsy will be remembered for the light she carried within – her compassion, her quiet courage in the face of hardship and the joy she brought wherever she went.
A graveside service will be held at the Mount Zion Cemetery located on Worcester Rd in Webster MA on August 22nd, 2025, beginning at 12:30pm. All are welcome. Following the service, all are invited for lunch and a Celebration of Life at the Putnam Lodge of Elks 574 in Putnam, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or The Jimmy Fund.
Rest in peace, Betsy. You will never be forgotten.