SOUTHWICK – Mrs. Elizabeth (Leonard) Vadnais, 98, a resident of Southwick for over 60 years, died Sunday, February 2, 2014 at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst. She was born in Conway, MA to the late Frank and Lucy (Wilder) Leonard. Elizabeth attended Conway schools before moving to Miami, FL and graduating from Andrew Jackson Junior High. She then attended and graduated from The High School of Commerce in Springfield Class of 1932.Betty was employed for many years with the former American Bosch Company of Springfield as a Telex operator retiring in 1977. Following retirement she worked as a volunteer and later as a part time employee at the Southwick Public Library. She was an active and longtime member of the Southwick Congregational Church, a founding member of the Southwick Scrabble Club, an avid gardner and bird watcher. For many years Elizabeth and her late husband were enthusiastic square and round dancers. Elizabeth was the devoted wife of the late Louis Vadnais, Jr. who died in July of 1974 and leaves two loving sons, Robert L. Vadnais and his wife Wanda of South Hadley and James L. Vadnais and his wife Faye of Warner, NH; two grandsons, Christopher L. and Matthew Vadnais; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Lillian Avery and Ruth Melbourne.
Her funeral will be held on Friday, February 7th at 12:00 noon at the Southwick Congregational Church, 488 College Highway in Southwick. A Spring Burial will be held at a later date in New Cemetery, Southwick. Relatives and friends are welcome to call on Thursday afternoon, February 6th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway in Southwick.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elizabeth may be directed to the Southwick Public Library, 95 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick, MA 01077. For more information, please visit us at www.forastierefuneralhome.com
