Gloucester - Beneditta "Betty" Ciulla, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Gloucester on November 13, 1930, Betty was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Crucifisa "Josephine" (Lucido) Favazza. She was one of eight children and proudly grew up "down the Fort," where she developed the strong family values, work ethic, and sense of community that would guide her throughout her life.

At just 14 years old, Betty left school after the eighth grade to help support her family. She worked in several local fisheries packing fish, where she met the love of her life, James "Jim" Ciulla. The two married in 1954 and shared 56 wonderful years together before Jim's passing.

Together, Betty and Jim raised three children: Rose Provost, Anthony "Tony" Ciulla, and their late daughter, Josephine Verga.

Betty and Jim enjoyed traveling throughout their lives, making regular trips to Las Vegas and visiting destinations including Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Spain, San Francisco, and Michigan. In later years, some of Betty's favorite memories were made on family vacations to Disney and during visits to Hawaii to spend time with her grandson Michael while he was serving in the military.

Family was the center of Betty's life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Betty played a tremendous role in raising her grandchildren, and they adored her just as much as she adored them. She was always there with a warm meal, loving advice, and unwavering support. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys.

Throughout her life, Betty wore many hats. She served as a Girl Scout leader and loved sharing stories from those years. She also worked as a hairdresser, often cutting her sisters' hair and "setting their perms" while filling the room with laughter, conversation, and love.

A talented baker and cook, Betty was always trying new recipes clipped from magazines. Whether it was homemade cakes, pastries, cookies, or one of her family's favorite meals, she found great joy in feeding those she loved. She was known for her Angel Food cake and pastry logs. No one ever left her home hungry, and her kitchen was often the heart of family gatherings.

Betty deeply cherished her siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her home was always open, and everyone knew they were welcome. Weekly coffee gatherings with her sisters and nieces became a treasured tradition, and she looked forward to every visit. She proudly hosted annual St. Joseph's celebrations, bringing generations of family together around food, faith, and tradition.

A woman of strong faith, Betty attended Mass faithfully throughout her life. Sundays were sacred to her—God's day, meant to be spent with family. After church, loved ones would gather together for Sunday lunch, creating memories and traditions that will continue for generations to come.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, James V. Ciulla; her daughter, Josephine Verga; her son-in-law, Michael Provost; her parents, Salvatore and Crucifisa "Josephine" (Lucido) Favazza; her siblings, Michael (Nina) Favazza, Joseph (Grace) Favazza, Grace "Auntie" (Ben) Parisi, Grace Davis, Nina (Louis) Benson, and Patricia (Philip) Imperato; her in-laws, Thomas (Sally) Ciulla, Mary Ciulla and Julia Guarrasi; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children, Rose Provost and Anthony "Tony" Ciulla; her grandchildren, Rachel (Verga) Estevez and her husband Greg, Michael Provost and his partner Nina Karedis, Josephine (Provost) Mitchell and her husband Jason, and Rosamaria (Provost) Emerson and her husband Jacob; her great-grandchildren, Josephine, Gabriella, and Vincent Estevez, and Lucas and Mia Mitchell; her sister, JJ Pramas and her husband Peter; her brother-in-law, Richard Davis; son in law Anthony "Tony" Verga and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Betty's greatest legacy is the family she loved, nurtured, and brought together. Her kindness, generosity, faith, strength, and unconditional love will live on in the countless lives she touched. The traditions she created, the meals she shared, the stories she told, and the love she gave so freely will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty's life on Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Ann's Church in Gloucester. Visiting hours will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. A procession to Calvary Cemetery for burial will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice in recognition of the compassionate care and support provided to Betty and her family during her final days. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com