Elizabeth “Betty” Burpee (Richard)

Elizabeth “Betty” Burpee (Richard), 82, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, likely humming a tune on her way out, because Betty never missed a chance to add a little music to life.

Born in Nashua on February 24, 1944, to Henri and Helen Richard, Betty spent nearly 40 years teaching in the Nashua school system. To say she was “just a teacher” would be wildly inaccurate, she was more of a one-woman educational musical. If you were lucky enough to be her student, chances are you can still sing your prepositions on command (whether you want to or not). Betty firmly believed there was no lesson that couldn’t be improved with a song, and she proved it daily, both inside and well beyond the classroom walls.

She loved her work deeply and took enormous pride in watching her students grow, so much so that she eventually taught not only her students, but their children as well. There aren’t many people who can say they shaped generations… and also got them all singing in unison.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Richard “Dick” Burpee, who no doubt is now enjoying front-row seats to her latest performances. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Burpee of Pembroke, and her daughter, Jennifer Grantham of Nashua.

Her grandchildren, Chloe Jordan (Grantham) of Londonderry, Nathan and Marina Burpee of Anchorage, Dylan Grantham of Merrimack, Riley Snider of Anchorage, and Brooke Grantham of Nashua, were the absolute light of her life. She adored them endlessly and, it’s safe to assume, made sure they learned a song or two along the way.

She is also survived by her siblings: John Richard and his wife Susan of Nashua, Louis Richard and his wife Nancy of Nashua, and Ruth Richard of Newport, VT, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and former students who will forever hear her voice in their heads whenever learning is involved.

Outside the classroom, Betty lived with energy that could put people half her age to shame. She loved boogie boarding (yes, really), swimming, playing basketball, crafting, and singing, always singing. Whether on the beach, in the water, or in her living room, Betty approached life with enthusiasm, storytelling and humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Experience Camps, a charity Betty and Dick proudly supported. https://give.experiencecamps.org/fundraiser/7101718

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Betty’s life and legacy, bonus points if you come prepared with a song in her honor.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Thursday, March 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Friday, March 27th at 9:30 a.m. followed by interment in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and kindly meet at the church. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com