West Hartford, VT -- Elizabeth (Betty) May Neil Carboneau/Wells passed away on March 19, 2024. Betty was a native Vermonter born to Irving Howard Neil and Lucy Mudge Kitchen in Sherburne, which would later become Killington, VT on July 26,1930. One of five children, Betty grew up working on the family farm. She attended the Turnpike School which was a one room primary & middle school on the River Road.

Betty attended high school at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Rutland where she played the French horn in the band and the violin in the orchestra. She greatly enjoyed being a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. She was an avid outdoorswoman who loved hunting, swimming, and hiking. After high school, she worked as a presser in the garment industry for over thirty years; first at Dick's Dress Shop and then at Linda-Lee Fashions, both in Rutland. She was an active member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). She then worked at Newberry's in White River Jct. and at Santa's Land in Putney until her retirement.

In 1959, Betty wed Robert Emile Carboneau in Enfield, NH. They made their home in Rutland where they were parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church. After Robert's death in 1983, Betty married Edwin Ray Wells in 1984, and relocated to West Hartford, VT where they lived happily until Ed's death in 2018.

Betty and Ed divided their time between winters in Port Charlotte, Florida and summers in West Hartford, Vermont. They kept busy beachcombing, camping, gardening, yard sales, and spending time with family. Their lives were enhanced by their faithful companion, a Jack Russell terrier named Suzy.

Betty taught her children to believe in God and keep open to His presence. She taught us the calming effects of nature, wildlife, and staying active. She taught us that strong people must strive to be gentle, kind, and patient in both words and deeds. She taught us through example that by working hard one could have a fulfilling life and have much fun along the way.

Betty is survived by her children and their spouses: Sharon Chandler of Rutland, VT., Cindy and Rick Schmidt of Indianapolis, IN., Clark and Diane Carboneau of Santa Fe, NM, Cheryl Carboneau and Bill Browne of Windsor, VT. Her stepchildren: Michael Carboneau of Poultney, VT, Mark Carboneau of Rutland, VT, Lynda Hart and Cheryl Gilbert, both of West Hartford VT. She has 5 grandchildren: Duane Chandler, Candace & Joshua Schmidt, Luke & Kyle Carboneau. She has one great granddaughter, June Carboneau. She was predeceased by all of her siblings, and stepsons: Robert Carboneau of Wilder, VT, Timothy Wells, of Westminster, VT, Rodney Wells of Rockingham, VT, and Gary Wells of Port Charlotte, FL.

We would like to thank the staff at Cedar Hill Continuing Care facility in Windsor, VT for their ongoing support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please remit to The Cedar Hill Activity Department at 92 Cedar Hill Drive Windsor, VT 05089.

At Betty's request, a committal service will be held Friday, May 31, at 11:00AM at the Riverside Cemetery in Killington, VT.

Betty lived a full happy life, and her generosity touched the lives of so many friends and family. It is hard to say goodbye, but we know you will be at peace with the ones you love that have gone before you. Betty, we love you and will miss you. All the best on your continued journey.

Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com