Elizabeth 'Betty' A. (Looney) Zeena

HOLDEN – Elizabeth “Betty” A. (Lunney) Zeena, 78, of Holden, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her family on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 after an illness. Born and raised in Worcester, Betty was the daughter of Hugh T. and Ann (Kochinskas) Lunney and lived 49 years in Holden.



Betty graduated from South High School and received both her Bachelor’s Degree in 1959 and her Master’s Degree in 1962 in Education from Worcester State College. She began her teaching career as a classroom teacher at Canterbury Street School in Worcester where she taught for seven years. After moving to Holden in 1965, Betty stayed at home to raise her children until 1975, when she continued her career for the next 25 years as a reading specialist at Rice Elementary School in Holden retiring in 2000. After her retirement, Betty graciously and lovingly welcomed her new role as a stay-at-home Grammy, assisting her children by caring for her grandchildren in their homes.



She was devoted to her faith and was a member and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. She was also a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers’ Association. Betty enjoyed the company of her friends and looked forward in spending time with them at their monthly book club and monthly luncheons. She was the alumni agent for Worcester State’s Class of 1959 and served on numerous reunion committees. She was also an active member of the Friday Afternoon club. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family which included their annual summer vacations in Kennebunk, Maine



Her beloved husband of 44 years, Richard A. Zeena, passed away in 2007. She is survived by her children, Richard J. Zeena and his wife, Erin of Princeton and Beth A. Zeena-Dowd of Holden; her sister, Ellen Lunney-Zeena of Holden; her precious grandchildren, Libby and Grace Dowd, and Sydney and Zoë Zeena; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.



Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Betty’s family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 24, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Holden. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Care Network and Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608, To share a memory or offer Betty’s family an online condolence, please sign the guestbook on this page.