Amherst, MA – The Honorable Elizabeth A. Porada, 92, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away on May 18, 2026, peacefully in her home following a long illness.
Born on September 1, 1933, in Hatfield, MA to Antonia (Malinowski) and Joseph Porada, Elizabeth was a lifelong resident of Hatfield, moving to the Applewood Community in Amherst in 2014. Elizabeth “Betty” lived a life marked by extraordinary service, intellect, compassion, and grace. A distinguished jurist and well- respected public servant, Justice Porada devoted her life to the pursuit of fairness, justice, and service to others.
Justice Porada received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College in 1955, attended Boston University Law School, and earned her LL.M. degree from Harvard University in 1961. Following years in private practice in Northampton, she was appointed to the Northampton District Court in 1978, later serving on the Superior Court beginning in 1982. In 1990, Governor Michael Dukakis appointed her as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, where she served with distinction until her mandatory retirement in 2003. Due to her unparalleled wisdom, fairness, and careful judgement, the Commonwealth called upon her to continue serving as a Recall Justice through 2004.
Throughout her vibrant career, Justice Porada also championed the needs of vulnerable children and families, serving on the Governor’s Massachusetts Bar Association Commission on the Unmet Legal Needs of Children and on the Board of Directors of Children’s Aid and Family Service for the Hampshire County.
When Betty joined the Applewood community after moving from her longtime family home in Hatfield, Massachusetts, she brought with her not only an impressive legacy of public service, but also warmth, curiosity, wit, and a love of meaningful conversation. A theater enthusiast, avid mystery reader, world traveler, and member of Learning in Retirement, Betty embraced life with intelligence and enthusiasm. Betty took regular college classes and during the pandemic re-read all of the great American classics. Betty was also an avid sports enthusiast, routing for all Boston teams and the New England Patriots.
At Applewood, Betty will be remembered not only for her remarkable accomplishments, but also for the simple joys that reflected her spirit. Betty’s friends and neighbors will remember her for the wisdom she shared, the thoughtful conversations she engaged in so generously, her concern for her friends and neighbors, and the quiet presence she brought to the community. Betty’s life was one of service, dignity, and deep intellect, but also kindness, humor, and human connection. She loved her family, her friends, and her country passionately. Betty will be missed by many who had the privilege of knowing her.
Betty was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Porada Jr, his wife Joanne, and a great nephew Michael Keenan. She is survived by her niece and nephew, Linda Keenan and Joseph Porada, her cousin Judy Champagne, several great nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew. Betty also leaves behind a beautiful extended family and circle of devoted friends.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Fisher Home, the staff of Nova Leap Home Health, and the entire staff of the Applewood community. Their support, care, assistance and devotion was just remarkable and enabled Betty to remain at home until her passing which was her wish.
Friends may call at the Czelusniak Funeral Home, 173 North Street, Northampton, MA on Saturday May 23 from 2-3PM. Prayer Services will be held in the Funeral Home starting at 3PM, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Hatfield. Memorial Contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540, Cooley Dickinson Health Care of Northampton, MA, or Doctors Without Borders, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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