Elizabeth Monk

Elizabeth B. (Gundersen) Monk, 97, of Glocester, RI formerly of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Bayberry Commons in Pascoag, RI. She was the wife of the late Warren H. Monk.

Born in New Bedford, MA she was the daughter of the late Fridolf and Jane (Daffine) Gundersen. She was the sister of the late Hilmar and Clara Marie Gundersen. Betty was a graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1944. She was employed as a business clerk for many years at the former Glen Coal & Oil and JC Rhodes/PCI. She was also employed as the Assistant to the Dean of Nursing at UMASS Dartmouth.

She was very active and enjoyed volunteering.

Betty was a Past Worthy Matron of Gifford Chapter #105, and an active member of Sandwich Chapter #221 OES where she was a member for 75 years. She was also a Past Mother Advisor, Past Worthy Advisor of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and a Majority Girl.

She was also the first woman member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club of Mattapoisett where she was a long time treasurer.

Betty was very active in the First Congregational Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, Deaconess, and served on multiple committees.

She served as a Girl Scout leader for Troop #8 and volunteered at Sister Rose soup kitchen in New Bedford. Betty also enjoyed her time volunteering at the Fairhaven Office of Tourism and was also a fan of the New England Patriots.

Betty loved her family dearly. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her.

She is survived by her family; James A Monk and his wife Susan of Freetown; Helen Rice and her husband Paul of Hampton, CT; Priscilla Berit and her husband Bradley of Sayreville, NJ; and Louise Michaels and her husband Russell of Glocester, RI. Her eight grandchildren: Jonathan M. Rice and his wife Janet; Christopher H. Rice and his wife Brandi; Joshua A. Berit and his wife Liz; Sarah J. Monaco and her husband Michael; Matthew A. Berit; Jennifer L. DeStefano; Jessica L. vonWallenstein and her husband Cory; and Jacob R. Michaels and his companion Stormy. She had twelve great grandchildren: Madison E., Olivia R., Noah R and Emma H. Rice; Allison M. Berit and Carter W. Monaco; J. Michael and Ethan J. DeStefano and Victoria C., Lucas O., Marcus R., and Amelia R. vonWallenstein.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Elizabeth's memory to: First Congregational Church, 34 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719 or Order of Eastern Star Scholarship Fund, 302 Walnut St, Newton, MA 02460.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St. Fairhaven, MA. Celebration of Life service and OES service at 7:PM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com