Elizabeth Cucinelli Jones

The 6th of eleven children, she was born July 20, 1929, in Arba, Pordenone, Italy. She immigrated to the United States via New York in November 1956 leaving, as many did, post war Italy seeking economic opportunity and a new life. She was sponsored by diplomats and worked as a domestic residing at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. Her experiences of those days were the subject of many future remembrances especially the many dignitaries she served in the very formal dining room including Queen Elizabeth, the Beatles and others. Her favorite by far was Barbara Bush, and all Bettina wanted to know was how did Mrs. Bush get her hair so white to which Mrs. Bush replied, “nature will take care of it….” Sure enough that’s exactly what happened.

After several years at the embassy, she worked as a live-in domestic for her American sponsors, Mr. & Mrs. Dunlop, where many more remembrances were made. The Dunlop’s were so impressed with Bettina’s capabilities they offered to teach her a trade – professional photo development – at their facility in NW DC (the Shop). Much of the work at that time was for NASA and the Apollo space program, exciting times! She now had a salaried job and was able to rent her own apartment in Chillum, MD; she was so proud. Bettina still maintained her connections in the diplomatic circles and regularly carried her “uniform”, that black dress with sparkling white lace cuffs and neck ruffle in the car. She would open the Shop early, work through lunch and then mid-afternoon head to the embassy or Kalorama Rd. area to serve a cocktail or dinner party. She took the right to self-determination quite literally.

In 1975 she married Robert Jones and moved to a beautiful home in Arlington, VA, where they shared 19 years of marriage before Robert’s untimely passing in 1994. In the early years she continued to work at the shop and with select housekeeping clients near her home. In later years she committed her time and efforts to other passions – helping those in need and supporting animal welfare – through her volunteer work at Fairfax Hospital and the World Wildlife Federation.

In 2004 she relocated to her new house in the Falls Run Active Adult community in Fredericksburg, VA, and made many new friends. She touched the lives of more than a few there, even garnering remembrances like “Bettina is the most interesting person I’ve ever met….” She gave many cooking lessons, too, ‘you learn by doing not by reading a recipe….’ and wasn’t shy about sharing her knowledge on how to tend to the landscaping.

Bettina was a woman of strong conviction, spoke her mind with few filters and backed up the words with action and results. She was always keenly aware of the needs of others and proactively supported them. Whatever endeavor she pursued the door was always left open for her return.

She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Domenica, Maria Kavoukas, and Rafaella and brothers Pietro (Elda), Angelo (Gabriella), Eliseo (Aliscia), Antonio, Enrico (Sandrina) and Dario (Dolcie).

She is survived by her son Gabriel (Vickie) of Easton, PA, daughter Flavia Tonizzo of Culpeper, VA, brother Ezio (Anna Maria), sisters-in-law Sandrina, Dolcie and Alicia, of Canada, along with numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials, please give to a charitable cause for children or animals.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com