Beth grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts until the age of thirteen when her family moved to Pittsfield.  In Pittsfield, at the age of 16, Beth met and began dating Frederick D. Royal.    Beth and Fred were married on September 13, 1969 and would have celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary this year.  For the last 17 years, Beth and Fred have resided together in Bernardston.  For over two decades prior to that, they lived in Longmeadow.        

Beth is survived by Fred, the love of her life, and their two daughters, Amy of Deerfield and Meghan of Northampton.  Beth is also survived by her son-in-law, Richard, and her two grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored and doted on, Dylan and Brandon, of Deerfield.  In addition, Beth is survived by her sister, Joy Meeker, and brother-in-law, Ron Beales of Escondido, California as well as a niece and two nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, David Passler, of Atlanta, Georgia.     

Beth loved playing the piano.  A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Beth concentrated her studies in music theory, performance and education.  As an adult, Beth transformed her love and talent for the piano into a career, performing in numerous concerts and at innumerable events and with various groups and ensembles throughout New England.  Beth was a retired music and elementary school teacher and, for many years, was also a private piano teacher. 

Beth was very active in politics, having served on a variety of local, regional and statewide committees.  For a number of years, Beth served as the Chairperson of the Democratic Town Committee in Longmeadow.  In addition to being an accomplished musician and pianist, Beth was a talented cook.  

Friends and relatives may gather with the family for calling hours on Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, 87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts.  Celebration of life services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 N. Maple Street, Hadley, MA.  A reception at the church will immediately follow the services.  A prayer ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont, followed by a graveside service, for those who are able to travel to attend.   

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elisabeth A. Royal may be made to the Cancer House of Hope, CHD, 332 Birnie Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts01107.  Obituary and electronic memorial guestbook can be accessed at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.