Elizabeth Zanca

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Zanca, 86, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed peacefully surrounded by love on July 5, 1939, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The beloved daughter of Margaret “Peg” Czyrklis and Joseph Czyrklis, she was predeceased by her brothers Edward Rowan, William Rowan, James Gillespie, and Paul Czyrklis, and is survived by her loving sister Jean (Czyrklis) Crowley.

Betty raised her family in Medford, Massachusetts, with her first husband, William “Bill” Flannery, who passed on December 27, 1989. She later found love again and shared many happy years in Onset, Massachusetts, with her husband Donald Zanca, who passed on March 7, 2019. Through her marriage to Donald, she gained six additional children: Tommy Zanca, Teresa Zanca, Paul Zanca, Michael Zanca, Nancy A. Karsok, and Linda J. Demers. She was a devoted mother to Lisa (Flannery) Dickenson and her husband Tad, Mark Flannery, Peter Flannery (who passed on June 25, 2025), Karen Flannery, and Jennifer (Flannery) Razzaboni and her husband Adam. Betty was a proud and loving grandmother to Anastasia, Catherine, William, and Sarah Dickenson, Ryan, Ricky, and Tommy Flannery, and Riley and Jack Razzaboni.

She began her career at John Hancock Insurance, where she delighted in telling how she once processed paperwork for Elvis Presley. She later worked for the Boston Bruins and eventually retired from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Known for her infectious smile, quiet sense of humor, and remarkable resilience, Betty was a liver transplant recipient who found deep fulfillment in writing poetry that captured life’s everyday moments. A devoted New England sports fan, she enjoyed recreational golf in her later years and traveled to Germany, Ireland, Hawaii, and Alaska, always cherishing time spent with family.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the gentle light she brought to everyone around her. Her love, laughter, and spirit will live on through the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.