Elizabeth C. Preti

CAPE ELIZABETH – Elizabeth C. Preti, Betty to her family and friends, passed away at home surrounded by family, on Feb. 21, 2023.

Born in Lincoln, R.I. on March 30, 1923 to Mary E. Lincoln and Leroy D. Lincoln, she graduated from Pawtucket High School, and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island. During her college years she was chosen queen of the Military Ball, the Harvest Ball, Johnny Cake Queen, was elected captain of the varsity field hockey team, and served as a part time ambulance driver in transporting wounded soldiers for the Red Cross.

Betty began her professional career as a teacher in the Glocester, Rhode Island schools, and later taught home economics at South Portland High School. She was employed as a registered dietitian at the now Maine Medical Center (MMC), where she was an instructor in nutrition at the School of Nursing. In the 1970s, she and other registered dietitians formed a nutrition counseling service for physician-referred patients.

A lifelong volunteer, Betty was an active member of Maine Medical Center’s Patient Care Services Committee for 40 years; a former president of the Friends of MMC; a Medical Center Corporator; and a participant for two years on the MMC Board of Trustees. In 1997, Maine Medical Center honored her for more than 5,000 hours of service as a volunteer. She also received the “Betts Award” for outstanding volunteer service at MMC.

A member for over 50 years of the Junior League of Portland, she was awarded the Mary Harriman Lifetime Achievement in 2010. An active member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames, and chair of the Patriotic Services Committee for the State of Maine, she was elected by the National Society to their Roll of Honor for distinguished service in Maine. Betty was a member and vice president of the Portland Lioness Club, and as a tireless advocate for the Ostomy Association, served as president of the Portland Chapter. She regularly supported drives for the Leukemia Society, Heart Association, and American Diabetes Association.

Betty played tennis into her 80s, was an avid sailing and boating enthusiast, and enjoyed regular games of bridge with her beloved friends. A former member of the Cape Elizabeth Garden Club, she was also a member of the Antique Automobile Association, the Portland Country Club, and the Portland Yacht Club.

Betty met her husband-to-be on the ski slopes, and married Robert F. Preti “Bob” in 1951. During their nearly 72 years of marriage, they traveled around the world on boats and ski trips (with the Washingtonians), and enjoyed great adventures with friends and family. Their devotion to each other and shared love of Maine — particularly Sebago Lake — were anchors for their amazing life together.

A loving wife, a wonderful and inspirational mother, a proud grandmother and great grandmother, Betty is survived by her cherished and loving husband, Bob; daughter Ann and husband Eliot Bryan of Canton, Conn., son Richard and wife Laura Preti of Cape Elizabeth and Houston, Texas, daughter Nancy and husband Dr. Benjamin Russell of Scarborough; 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Patricia Soule; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter Katherine in 1962; and her brothers Robert and William Lincoln.

The family would like to especially thank Lisa and Karen for their devoted and loving attentiveness, her caregivers and Northern Light Hospice staff for their supportive services.

A private memorial ceremony will be held at a later date.

Visiting hours will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland, on Monday, March 13 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers,

the family requests that donations be made to:

the Jimmy Fund at

danafarber.jimmyfund.org