Obituary of Betty Paroli

Betty (Jones) Paroli, 84, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the Scandinavian Home Skilled Nursing Facility in Cranston, Rhode Island. A lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, she moved to Rhode Island late last year in order to be closer to her immediate family. Betty was very fortunate to be able to remain in close contact with her friends and extended family from the Hudson Valley during her final months. Predeceased by her husband, William L. Paroli, Sr. and by her son, William L. Paroli, Jr., she is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth-Anne Paroli, her granddaughter, Amanda Kezirian, her brother-in-law and sister-in law, Robert and Billie Paroli, her daughter-in-law, Nancy Campbell Paroli, her son-in-law, Wayne Kezirian and many nieces and nephews, notable among them Robin (Jones) Bohlmann who was actively involved providing care and support to Betty and Bill for years prior to their passing. Betty was the last surviving child of Ralph L. Jones, Sr. and Hazel Howroyd, having survived her siblings, Anne Keywood, Helen Lutz, Mae Dedrick, Ralph L. Jones, Jr., Ruth Rogers and Margaret Cierniak. She kept in close contact with them during her lifetime and spoke of them warmly and often. Betty kept her older sister, Stella, who died before she was born, in her heart and thoughts always, sometimes wondering aloud what the future might have held for her had she survived. Betty was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Class of 1948, where she was a cheerleader and was voted best dancer. She was a certified dental assistant and worked for several dentists in and around Poughkeepsie before retiring. Married for 65 years, Betty treasured the shared friendships she and her husband Bill enjoyed, many of which were formed while they were children or in high school. It was more the norm than the exception for Betty and Bill to meet and warmly be greeted by old friends whenever they were out and about in Poughkeepsie. Betty studied vocal performance in her youth and for many years demonstrated her strong faith by singing in many churches both as a soloist and as a choir member. She brought joy to her friends in the nursing home as she continued to share the songs of their youth with them with joy and enthusiasm until shortly before her passing. She enjoyed bingo and collected a treasure trove of jewelry as prizes which she wore with great pride in the later months of her life. Betty was a kind, supportive, caring, forgiving person from whom critical comments were seldom heard. Never drawing attention to herself, she selflessly supported her family in their diverse endeavors and, while she was quick to express her appreciation for their accomplishments, valued kindness more than any specific achievement. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a gift to a charitable organization dedicated to the care and support of the elderly and infirm. The Scandinavian Home, 1811 Broad Street, Cranston, RI 02905 and Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 are both quality organizations that have provided significant support to the Paroli family in recent years and are recommended for consideration.