Elizabeth H (Hersey) Priestly

Hingham, MA - Elizabeth "Beth" Hersey Priestly, age 70, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, in Hingham, MA. Born on June 29, 1953, in Hingham, Beth was the beloved daughter of Reuben W. Hersey and Eleanor L. Hersey (Tate), and she was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Judith A. Hersey. She is survived by her loving daughter Heather L. Johnson (husband Keith) of Hanson, MA as well as her devoted grandchildren August and Ellie Johnson. Beth is also survived by her brothers, Peter W. Hersey of Hingham and Paul E. Hersey of Austin, TX, as well as cherished family members, Eric and Barbara Priestly of Middleborough and Bonnie and Carlton Garland of Dummerston, VT. She will be deeply missed by her many loved nieces, nephews, cousins who are more like sisters, and friends.

Beth had the most infectious laugh, which is how she will be remembered by all who knew her. She was kind, generous, and loving, and had a light inside of her that could not be extinguished even in the darkest times. Having a passion for helping others, she dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of children. Prior to retiring in 2015, she worked as a special education van driver for the Town of Hingham, where she formed heartfelt connections with the kids she drove to and from school. Beth's playful spirit shone through as she wore funny hats to keep them entertained. Prior to that, she worked as a custodian at Hingham High School.

Outside of work, Beth loved hosting parties, and enjoyed traveling and gardening.  She will especially be remembered for her famous Congo squares which she loved to bake and share with others.  She found joy in bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Her warm and welcoming nature made her gatherings truly special.

Beth's laughter and loving spirit will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Purple was Beth’s favorite color and is also the ribbon color for dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness. Please wear something purple to her services to help the family honor her, those who went before her, and those who continue to live with dementia and Alzheimers.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel 21 Pond St, Hingham, MA. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:00 am, also at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research Program at Mass General Hospital online at Make a gift to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research. If you prefer to make a donation via check, you can do so by making your check out to "Massachusetts General Hospital - Fund 028184" and mailing it to: MGH Development Office Attn: Kylie Baruffi 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540 Boston, MA 02114-1101. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth H (Hersey) Priestly, please visit our floral store.