Elizabeth M. Halpern

Elizabeth Nason Murrell Halpern, 86, passed away on July 17, 2025, in West Boylston, Massachusetts. Born on February 11, 1939, in Portland, Maine, she lived a vibrant and purposeful life marked by her dedication to education, her love of the arts, and her deep devotion to family and friends.

Betty was the daughter of Rita Nason Murrell and Maurice Murrell. She grew up in Northeast Harbor, Maine where she was a soda "jerk" (clerk) at Murrell's Drugstore. She began her education in the Northeast Harbor schools before graduating from Gould Academy in 1957. She studied at Wheaton College and the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a B.A. in psychology and music in 1961. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she worked as a Red Rose Shopper at Lord & Taylor. One day after work, she met Gordon Halpern outside the flagship store on 5th Avenue and they began their life together - in the City for a few years, then moving to the Nason family's homestead in Hampden, Maine. After starting her family, she earned a Master’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono, which she completed in 1974. Betty began a 25-year career in special education and devoted much of her professional life to enriching the lives of students in the Hampden school system. She played a pivotal role in launching both the Arts in the Curriculum initiative and the Gifted and Talented programs—efforts that reflected her belief in nurturing creativity and potential in every child.

Beyond the classroom, Betty brought elegance and warmth to everything she did. For many summers and after retiring from teaching, she was the face of the Kimball Shop Boutique in Northeast Harbor. Her impeccable taste and appreciation for beautiful clothes were matched only by her gracious presence. Cashmere sweaters and silk scarves for women and Shetlands over the shoulders of men - these were rules to live by!

Elizabeth found joy playing the piano and sharing music with others as a longtime member of the Acadia Choral Society. She was an enthusiastic Red Sox fan (David Ortiz, especially!) and rarely missed an episode of General Hospital. An avid cook and baker, she loved entertaining friends and family with gourmet meals, pies, jam and homemade maple syrup.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Gregory Halpern (Annellen McNamara) of Waltham, MA; Andrew Halpern (Rana Rubida) of Denver, CO; and Robin Halpern Cavanaugh (Mike Cavanaugh) of West Boylston, MA; and by her grandchildren: Aidan, Charles, and Michael Cavanaugh; Ellie and Benjamin Halpern.

Betty’s legacy is one of vitality, generosity, humor and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. Donations in her memory may be made to Maine Seacoast Mission and Friends of Acadia, two MDI organizations that meant so much to her. Celebration of Life services will take place in the near future in both Waltham, MA and Northeast Harbor, ME. She will be laid to rest with her parents in Hampden, Maine.