Elizabeth M. Tonnesen, 91, of Salem, NH, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 30, 1932, to the late George and Martha (Pahl) Nerger, in Quincy, MA, a first generation German-American.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty was married to the love of her life, the late Carl Tonnesen, for 64 years and raised three children in Salem. She became a loving grandmother in 1993, and watched her family grow with unconditional and unwavering support and love through the years. That love extended from Betty to each child and their spouse, every grandchild, every friend of every child and grandchild, every personal friend she had, and every acquaintance she ever met. There was no one that Betty knew that was not affected by the love that radiated from her smile and her heart.

A baptized and life-long ELCA Lutheran, Betty was an active and devout member of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church in Salem, NH. She served on several committees, sang in choir, and participated in nearly every church event that occurred. Her faith was steadfast and the core of who she was. For over 60 years Betty knitted prayer shawls, baby blankets, baby sweaters, hats, mittens, socks, and afghans for the congregation and the community at large. If you knew Betty and had a baby, you were sure to receive a piece of her work.

Throughout her life, Betty and Carl enjoyed family vacations in Falmouth on the Cape, and camping at Pawtuckaway State Park. She was at one time an avid skier and bowler, and even a Jazzerciser when her daughter taught classes at the church. Their Norway vacation in 1993 to visit Carl's family was the trip of a lifetime for both of them. From 1979 until 1993 Betty worked as a bookkeeper for Windham Nursery and Florist in Windham, NH. In later years, Betty enjoyed outings with her friends at the Salem Senior Center.

Betty is survived by her children: Gail E. Angellis, and her wife Karen Oster, of Nashua, NH, Mark R. Tonnesen, and his wife Nancy, of Paris, France, and Lisa M. Shaver, and her husband John, of Goffstown, NH; her grandchildren: Dana, Elke, Gunnar, Allison, Rowan, and Maxwell; her brother: Paul Nerger, and his wife Joan; her brother in law: Richard Tonnesen, and his wife Brenda; many nieces and nephews; as well as her feline companion, Missy.

In addition to her parents and husband, Elizabeth is predeceased by her siblings: Edith McNeil, Harriet Williamson, and George Nerger.

The Tonnesen Family would like to especially thank Brookhaven Hospice of Windham, NH for the support and care of Elizabeth and the family throughout the past months. We specifically thank Karen, Faith, Reina, and Brittany. They are truly Angels.

Friends and family are invited to the funeral service on Friday, Dec 15, 2023, 11am, at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, 171 Zion Hill Road, Salem, NH 03079, with a luncheon in the fellowship hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, in Elizabeth's name. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087.