Elizabeth "Betty Ann" (Kriete) Thurlow

Elizabeth Thurlow, called Betty Ann by her family and friends, passed peacefully at home due to pancreatic cancer on March 28, 2026.

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Betty Ann was always a fierce champion of causes important to her, predominantly those with less power to advocate for themselves. She taught school in the Virgin Islands where she met Bill. They sailed to Maine and built a life together.

Betty Ann worked in public and behind the scenes to create change where she saw a need. She especially fought tirelessly for her children and was a fierce advocate for all people with disabilities. It is impossible to list all the people who Betty Ann loved or who were impacted by her quiet work, prayers, and sacrifice.

Betty Ann is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bill, as well as eight of their children and their families: Amber Schmaling and her husband Chris and daughters Rebekah, Zoe and Penny; Mary Thurlow; Rachel Irish and her husband Ben and daughter Caitlin; Bill Thurlow and his partner Kate; Jeff Thurlow; Melanie Dunphy and her husband Patrick, daughter Annabella and son Benedict; Nathan Thurlow and his wife Kerry; and Margaret Thurlow, her brother Edward Kriete and his wife Moira and daughter Lauren; sister Regina Kriete and her husband Frankie; and many neices, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Anna Thurlow, her brother William Kriete and her parents, Edward and Lorraine Kriete.

A Traditional Roman Catholic Requiem Mass in Latin will be held at St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, 35 Church St., Oakland on Saturday April 11, 2026 at 11:00am with a reception to immediately follow. All are welcome.

A spring burial will occur in Dixmont. In lieu of flowers, mass requests may be made for Betty Ann through St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church or donations may be made to the Layfette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer, Maine.

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