Elizabeth Thiesing

Elizabeth “Betty” (Porretta) Thiesing, 85, of Sandwich, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 27, 2026 with family by her side. She was the loving wife of Herman “Bud” Thiesing for 66 years.

Betty was born and raised in Waltham, MA then lived in Westborough where she and Bud raised their three sons. She enjoyed bowling, tennis, golf, playing cards with friends, and watching her boys play sports. The couple retired to the Cape where they spent many moments at the Canal watching the boats and eating lunch together.

Betty lived a life marked by generosity, faithfulness, and humor. She served in her church, gave generously to her family, and loved to laugh. Spending time with her family and friends was most important to her, whether taking daytrips to the shore or mountains, venturing to Florida, or celebrating birthdays and holidays. She was forever supportive of many family sporting events, concerts and recitals, and didn’t think twice about joining in creative play with the grandkids. It was her delight in recent years to FaceTime and to receive updated photos of family. Betty’s faith was important to her, and she was honored to have met Pope John Paul II on a trip to Italy. She was also a fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and especially the Patriots.

Besides her beloved husband, Betty leaves her sons Bill and his wife, Sue, of South Grafton MA, Paul and his wife, Bonnie, of Grafton MA, and Dave and his wife, Tammy, of East Sandwich MA. She also leaves grandchildren Tom, Jamie, Kellie, Tim, Jen, Mike and Dan; 8 great-grandchildren Corie and Carson, Ruby and Hazel, Nora and Alden, Nolan and Olivia; sister-in-law Ann McCabe, and many nieces and nephews. Betty is predeceased by her ma and pa, Thomas and Vincenza Porretta, brother Guido, and sisters Flora Gemelli and Julia Riccio.

The family is grateful to VNA of Cape Cod Hospice for their compassion and care in the past few months, especially nurse Maria.

Visiting hours will be Mon., May 4 from 4-7 PM at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 MA-6A, Sandwich.

A funeral service will be held Tues., May 5 at 11 AM at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, East Sandwich followed by a burial at Sandwich Town Cemetery, 231 Route 130, Sandwich.