NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Barbara Ellen Rizzo, 66, of 93 Cleveland Ave. died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in North Adams on Nov. 21, 1945, a daughter of Edward Cable and of Blanche Cote Letalien, she graduated from the former St. Joseph's High School.

Ms. Rizzo graduated from the McCann Technical School medical assisting program and had been an independent home health aide for 15 years. She was devoted to her work and took great pride and joy in taking care of people.

She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church and was a member of VFW Post 996 Ladies' Auxilliary. She loved to spend time with her family and was adored by her dog Abu. Some of her favorite activities include reading, shopping, and going out to the movies with her loved ones. Ms. Rizzo was young at heart and was always there for those who needed her. She was greatly loved and will be missed

She leaves her former husband, John Rizzo, of North Adams; her loving children, a daughter, Nicole Rizzo, and two sons, Peter Prieto Jr. and Michael Rizzo, all of North Adams; three sisters, Rita Oslizlo and Beverly Cable, both of North Adams, and Maryann Maxwell of Rio Rancho, N.M.; two grandsons, Peter Prieto III and Austin Worth, and a daughter-in-law, Diana Worth of the town of Florida, and nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Ms. Rizzo will take place Monday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Church in North Adams. A celebration of her life will follow at Public restaurant on Holden Street, North Adams.

Donations are suggested in her memory through Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.