FAYETTE — A celebration of life honoring Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Adams of Fayette was held at “Musicale Place,” the home of Dick and Becky Pelletier on Sunday, July 31.

Host Dick Pelletier introduced hospice Chaplain Susan Schell-Cooper of Chesterville, who officiated during the service. Schell-Cooper gave the opening prayer, offered words of comfort, and spoke of Betty’s broad, generous spirit and grace. Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton asked the family to join him as he read a Legislative Memoriam in honor of Betty, which he then presented to her husband, Bob.

Guitarist Lori Beth Bonnevie, Betty’s “Double Trouble” gal pal, sang “Help Me,” accompanied by her dad, Dick Pelletier, on the acoustic bass. Two years ago, Betty had asked Lori to sing that song “when something happens to me.”

A time of reminiscing followed. Bob Adams spoke of certain times in their lives, Carol Hunt spoke of their friendship, and Dick Pelletier shared the memory of Betty as a cheerleader doing cartwheels the entire length of the gymnasium. Mae Soucy recalled Bob and Betty’s wedding and reception some 40-plus years ago. Unbeknownst to Bob, Betty had made comical arrangements to auction off her wedding attire as a fundraiser. Out came the bids for the gown, the slip, and so forth. When it came time to auction off the undies, Bob was visibly nervous. About that time, two men holding a clothesline with the garments pinned to it, entered the hall, much to the relief of a very anxious groom!

Bluegrass music began during the serving of the meal, with musicians ranging from 9 years of age to their mid-80s. Kayla Rollins of Wells, Betty’s 9-year-old grandniece, thrilled the hundreds in attendance with an a cappella rendition of the national anthem. Eleven-year-old banjo player Ethan Rines of Turner was part of a double three-generation group as he played with his parents, Ezra and Jessie, and two grandmothers, Carolyn Viger and Diane Rines. Other musicians and vocalists included Doc and Leah Dufresne of Three Rivers, Mass.; Carlton Kaherl of New Sharon, Red Small of Sabattus, Carroll Johnston of Greene, Herman LeBlanc of Canton, Bill Kimball of Dixfield, Ray Paul of Livermore Falls, Dennis Patkus of Fairfield, Glenn and Holly Bowman of West Gardiner, Herb Dakin of Knox, Carol Hunt, Lori Beth Bonnevie, and Dick and Betty Pelletier of Fayette.

Fourteen hours after the first guest arrived, the last musician put their instruments into their cases and said, “Good night.” Betty’s wish for a celebratory bluegrass pickin’ party and potluck meal had come to an end.