Elizabeth Ellen Eklund

Elizabeth Ellen (Saari) Eklund, age 78, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her home in Wareham, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on April 4, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Henry Arnas and Anja Ellen (Salmi) Saari. Betsy spent her early years in Norwood before her family settled into their home on Spring Street in Walpole. She went on to attend Walpole Public Schools before graduating from Walpole High School with the Class of 1966. Following her graduation, Betsy took a position with Masoneilan in Avon, working as a secretary.

Betsy met her husband to be, Karl E. Eklund, by chance one evening at McGovern’s in Walpole. After a short pursuit, Betsy and Karl were married on June 7, 1969, at United Church in Walpole. The young couple initially made their home together in Foxborough, before returning to Walpole in 1976, purchasing a home on Baker Street. Once she welcomed her children, Betsy took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. In addition to caring for her own children, Betsy opened her doors to countless foster children over the years, providing love and care until they were ready to be placed with their adoptive families. Family was incredibly important to Betsy, whether caring for her children or working alongside her husband, Karl, running their business, Bruce Scott Septic. As her children all grew up, Betsy ventured back to her career, taking a position with Winslow Warren Insurance Agency in Walpole, serving as an filing clerk. In 2010, Betsy and Karl retired to Buzzard's Bay, making their home in a house that had been in the Eklund family for generations. Not one to sit still, Betsy quickly found work at the Market Basket in Bourne, first as a cashier and later running the front end of the store, before retiring in 2020.

Throughout her life, Betsy loved to travel, whether taking a road trip or setting sail on the deck of a cruise ship. As a young Mom, Betsy often took her family camping, enjoying the outdoors at Normandy Farms in Foxborough, Ellis Haven in Plymouth, or various sites in Vermont. Later, Betsy looked forward to cruising to Bermuda and taking in the sights of Alaska with Karl by her side. Back at home, Betsy served as the family activities director, organizing games, telling stories, and having fun. Betsy regularly took her fun on the road, trying her luck on the slot machines at Foxwoods and Plainridge.

As a child of Finnish immigrants, Betsy's heritage was always incredibly important, holding onto family traditions over the years. One of her favorite traditions was gathering her children together around the Christmas season to make Cardamon coffee bread from a recipe that was passed down from the Saari family. As an avid supporter of all things Finland, Betsy collected flags and memorabilia that connected her to her roots.

Beloved wife of Karl E. Eklund.

Loving mother of Lisa A. Eklund of Buzzard's Bay, Wayne K. Eklund of Walpole, Amanda K. Worner and her husband Erick of Walpole, Michael S. Eklund of Brockton, and Emily E. Paull and her husband Alex of Taunton.

Cherished Mummu of Nick, Anikka, Karl, Olin, Max, Emma Kate, Layla, Bella, and Charlie.

Sister of Kenneth Saari of Norwood, and Kathy Howard and her late husband Alan of Pawtucket.

Devoted aunt of Julie Elizabeth.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Betsy's visitation on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 7:00 pm. Interment will take place privately at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Elizabeth's name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, by mailing a check to P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or by visiting www.dana-farber.org/gift