Elizabeth Arlene French

Reverend Elizabeth Arlene Little French, 87, died on February 4, 2026 at Havenwood in Concord, NH, surrounded by family. “Betty” was born on December 30, 1938, in Nashua, NH. Her husband, Joseph W. French, Jr. and her parents, Doris Arlene Richardson and Kenneth Winthrop Little, predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Brenda L. French (Gary Gagne) of Manchester, NH; Joseph S. French (Becki) of Belmont, NH; Peter D. French (Anne) of Standish, ME; and Matthew C. French (Leigh-Ann) of Epsom, NH; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Betty attended schools in Nashua, NH, and graduated from Nashua High School. Decades later, she attended Andover Newton Seminary in Newton, Mass., and was awarded a Masters of Divinity in 1998.

She was pastor of Webster Congregational Church from 2001-2011 prior to retiring, after which she spent more time with her husband Joe, traveling with friends, and working in Congregational churches in interim pastor and pulpit-fulfillment roles.

Prior to her ministerial roles, Betty worked in a variety of positions: as a secretary to the NH Liquor Commissioner; selling Avon – again, in the Webster area; as a bank teller; as a legal secretary at NH Legal Assistance; as a real estate agent/broker; and as a church secretary.

Betty had many interests and hobbies, including spending time with her grandchildren; singing in the church choir and performing in local theatrical productions; decorating cakes for county fairs; creating elaborate celebrations for Christmas and family birthdays; and reading. Betty was also a Rebekah at Riverside Rebekah Lodge #22 in Contoocook.

She loved being involved with community, and was well known for her colorful personality and vibrant clothing choices, especially high heels. Although she wore a robe over her clothing in her work as a minister, her heels were always visible, and a subject of lively conversation.

Betty’s family is deeply appreciative of the compassionate care provided to her by the staff at Havenwood, especially those in the Rainie Unit, and that of Granite VNA for its hospice services.

Services include visiting hours at Bennett’s Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH, Sat., March 7, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, NH, on Sun., March 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Havenwood Nursing Scholarship Fund, 33 Christian Ave., Concord, NH 03301, or Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH, 03301 or www.granitevna.org/donate if you prefer to give online.