Elizabeth (McManama) Kasper

Waltham – Mrs.Elizabeth 'Betty' (McManama) Kasper, of Waltham, died at home on Thursday, December 14, 2017.

She was born in Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, a daughter of the late Dr. John C. and Elizabeth G. (Winkel) McManama . . . a name to which she remained proud her entire life. Raised in Waltham she was a graduate of Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Simmons College. She married John R. "Jack" Kasper, II on June 14, 1950 in Saint Mary's Church and was married to him almost fifty years until his death on January 7, 2001.

Betty stayed at home to raise her four children and her family always remained the center of her life. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren . . . who called her Gramma or Ama. Her faith also sustained and guided her throughout life and in later years Boston Catholic Television was her primary channel on the television. A lifelong member of Saint Jude's Parish she was part of its prayer line. She'll be lovingly remembered for adoring the many dogs that were part of the family throughout her life . . . not being the best driver on the road . . . and enjoying the excitement of a potential jackpot with a scratch ticket or two she might have purchased. Summers were always at their home on Humarock Beach in Scituate where long summer days were spent on the beach with family and friends. True to her native roots she was an avid fan of the Red Sox and Boston College and its sports teams.

In addition to her husband, Jack, she was predeceased by her siblings, Dr. John C. McManama, Agnes Cohn Quinn and Rosemary Quinn.

Betty leaves her children, Lisa K. Centofanti and her husband, Paul, of Waltham, John R. Kasper III and his wife, Leslie, of Canton, Georgia, Karla M. St. Marie of Quincy and S. Andrew Kasper and his wife, Kimberly, of Walpole; her brother, Dr. George B. McManama and his wife, Virginia, of Belmont; her grandchildren, Lauren Fournier and her husband, J.P., Elizabeth Centofanti, Paul Centofanti, Jr. and his husband, Daniel Lynch, Dana Centofanti, Meghan, Andrew and Aaron Kasper, Olivia and McKenzie Kasper, Devlin and Colby St. Marie; her great-grandchildren, John and Elizabeth Fournier and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Betty's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, December 18th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials in her name may be made to Saint Anthony Shrine, 100 Arch Street, Boston MA 01220 or to a charity of one's choice.