Betty Yen

Betty S. Yen, born July 18, 1929 to her late parents So-Pei Yang and Yuen-Ying Chen, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021 after battling colon cancer. She was 92 years old.

Upon her confession of Faith in Christ, she was baptized in March 1980 by Pastor Morley Lee in the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston, Lexington, Massachusetts.

Betty Yen overcame many hardships throughout her life. She survived air raids during WWII, emigrated to the U.S., and worked for the Taiwan Foreign Affairs Administration while raising five children and learning English. Betty set an example for her family through her resiliency, kindness, and self-sacrifice.

None of life's obstacles could dampen Betty's artistic talents including calligraphy, painting, singing, knitting, and origami. And you can bet with eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, she knew how to keep bellies satiated and content. Family dinners always resulted in plates piled high, aromas wafting, people eating, shouting, and laughing (sometimes all at the same time). Cooking was one of her ways of displaying affection, although it generally led to everyone feeling uncomfortably full. One by one we would each tap out uttering, "Wo bao le. Ni men man man chi." (or I'm full. Please take your time and eat.)

Betty spent over 30 years at the same Waltham residence with her late husband of 68 years, Tyrone. Throughout the decades, she would always see her family and guests off with her arm raised, waving goodbye while you exited that long driveway or hallway. Without fail, even when you turned that last corner and looked back, you would always find her in the same spot, sending you just a bit more love until reunited again. No cajoling or reminders of health and/or inclement weather deterred her. No matter the cost, no matter how tired she was, it was the small gestures, up to the very last moment, Betty Yen conveyed she loved you.

Betty is survived by her siblings, George, Thomas, Michael, Theresa and their spouses, Nancy, Miriam, Nancy, and David, respectively. She is also succeeded by her five children, Alice (and Gordan Wu); Annie Yen (and David Welch); Nancy (and John Cintolo); Karin (and Charlie Hseih); and Bill Yen (and Margaret), and many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces/nephews, and loved ones.

If anyone has a story they would like to share in remembrance of Betty, the family would love to hear it. Her wake will be held from 5 - 6:15 pm on November 4th at Joyce Funeral home, followed by a prayer service at 6:15pm. Her private funeral will be held at Westview Cemetery.

Those wishing to view the calling hours and service may do so via this link beginning at 5 pm on Thursday, November 4th: https://my.gather.app/family/betty-yen