Lebanon, NH – Elizabeth Letha (Boclair) Jette
Dec 5, 1928 – Feb 13, 2026
Elizabeth (Betty) Jette, was a woman who viewed a century of change with a quick smile, a fierce dedication to family, and an unsurpassed work ethic and who never met a chocolate she didn’t like! Betty passed away peacefully after a short hospital stay in Port Charlotte FL on Feb 13, 2026 at the age of 97.
Born in Hanover NH, the only child of Henry and Letha Boclair, Betty described herself as a spoiled child; even receiving a car for high school graduation. Although Betty had no siblings, her first cousins, who she was extremely close to, filled that role.
Betty attended primary school in Norwich VT and Hanover NH, 2 years at Hartford High School and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1946.
Betty met her soon to be husband Robert (Bob) Jette at a dance in Lebanon and on Oct 13, 1946 they were married at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. Betty and Bob raised 5 children; Donna, Letha, Karen, Robert (Bob) and Kevin.
Betty was a proud grandmother and always looked for ways to spend time with her grands and great grands; whether at a sporting event or a game around the kitchen table.
Betty always had a smile and a warm greeting for all who came into her circle, many of her children’s and grandchildren’s friends will attest to the love that they felt in her house.
Betty worked many jobs throughout her long life. She loved being a telephone operator (one ringy dingy) working at Splitball Bearing, as a medical receptionist at MHMH, and in the 70’s-80’s, Betty and Bob owned Jette’s Quick Stop in W. Lebanon, where she and her family made all the deli items and her grinders were “Upper Valley Famous.” One friend of the family said that, “if Mrs. Jette hadn’t given me weekly credit I might not have been able to eat.” She would never let anyone go hungry. Betty loved deli work, continuing at JulieAnn’s, Blimpies, and the Deli at P&C. Betty worked well into her 80’s; her last job as a fitness coach at Curves. Keeping her body moving kept her young. She always loved working with people.
Betty was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary; often involved in the Post meals and other activities organized by the Auxiliary. Having a father who served in WWI, and having been part of the “Greatest Generation” Betty knew the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform often made and helped instill her patriotism in all her children.
She was a member of the Lebanon Alumni Association for many years. She never wanted to miss a parade, or have the opportunity to work on a float to be a part of the parade. Betty was involved with the Lebanon Outing Club for many years. Her children and grandchildren were active in the skiing and jumping programs at Storrs Hill. To be near the action, she and Bob ran the concessions at “The Hill” and helped many children have great and safe nights of skiing.
Betty had many things she enjoyed in life. Music and dance were on the top of the list. Before Bob died, they would often go out dancing; anyone who saw them knew they loved “cutting a rug together.” They could swing their stuff.
Betty was a Patriots fan and enjoyed watching them during the Dynasty years. She watched Super Bowl 60 just days before she passed. Until her final days, she remained “sharp as a tack” as her family and nurses would attest.
She is survived by four of her children Letha Marquay (Ed), Karen Jette-Jones, Robert Jette (Anne), Kevin Jette (Cheryl); son-in-law Edward Allard; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; all who carry a piece of her strength and love. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Robert, grandson David Allard, grandson Greg Jette, and daughter Donna Allard.
A Celebration of life will be held on July 18, 2026 at 45 Sanborn Road in Meriden NH. Please join us and bring stories to share. In lieu of flowers, if you feel so inclined, donations could be made in memory of Betty to the Lebanon Alumni Association, 27 Sloan Road, Enfield, NH 03748 or the Lebanon Outing Club, 66 Spring St., Lebanon, NH 03766.
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