Elizabeth M. "Betsy" Persson

Elizabeth M. “Betsy” Persson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend, passed away on May 9, 2026, at the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Massachusetts after a brave battle with dementia. She was 77.

Born on June 22, 1948, in Norwood, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Eleanor Ronayne. She was raised in Canton MA., and graduated from Canton High School in 1966. Betsy then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Boston State Teacher’s College.

On August 4,1974 Betsy married her husband and best friend John R. Persson and they spent 51 wonderful years together. A resident of Foxboro since 1978, Betsy worked as a teacher for Canton Public Schools before taking time off to raise her family. She later returned to Canton and finished her teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.

Betsy loved spending time with family and friends. She especially loved attending her granddaughter’s dance recitals and her grandson’s sporting events. She also enjoyed taking trips with her husband to places such as Cape Cod, Niagara Falls and Sebago Lake and enjoyed her annual trip each summer to Old Orchard Beach, ME.

In addition to her devoted husband John, Betsy is survived by her daughter Stephanie Wilson and her husband James of Franklin; her son John Persson Jr. of Foxboro; her brother Mark Ronayne and his wife Gail of Bridgewater; and her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, James, and Brandon Wilson of Franklin, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She was preceded in death by her brother Maurice Ronayne Jr. and her sister Ellen Ronayne.

Those who knew Betsy will remember her as a kind and caring woman whose life was marked by love and devotion to family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the students she inspired, and the many memories shared by those who were blessed to know her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, May 13th from 4-7 p.m. at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington St. Canton. A Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 14th at 11:00 am. Burial will be at the Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

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