Elizabeth F. Roden, 74, of Middlefield, wife of Nathan Roden, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Henry Iasiello and Grace (Gavin) Wells on December 20, 1949, Elizabeth moved with her family to Meriden at the age of 4.

Elizabeth grew up in the Glen Hills section of Meriden and graduated from Platt High School before attending Central Connecticut State University, where she majored in education. After earning her bachelor’s and master's degree, she began her teaching career in 1971 at Pulaski Elementary, where she taught 3rd and 4th grades until her retirement in 2006.

Elizabeth's love of horses led her to begin riding American Saddlebreds, with her mentor Ed Grimes in South Meriden after high school. She trained and showed horses and Hackney Road Ponies throughout New England, becoming an accomplished equestrian. In 1986 they built a small horse farm in Middlefield where she lived then since. In 1994, she married Nathan Roden, and together they continued to show Hackney Ponies from Toronto to Kentucky, earning numerous wins, including the ladies' classes at Devon, PA, and the Royal Winter Fair, alongside trainer Rodney Hicks. Besides showing horses, Betty was also on the Board of Directors, past President and life member of both New England Horsemen’s Council and Connecticut Horse Shows Association.   

Aside from her passion for horses, Elizabeth enjoyed reading mystery novels by her favorite authors, Danielle Steel and John Grisham.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her father, Henry; mother, Grace; stepfather, Bob Wells; brothers Henry, Paul, and Rick Iasiello; and sisters Susan Iasiello and Barbara Iasiello-Brothers. She is survived by her beloved husband, Nathan; her niece, Vikki Brothers, her partner Mike Vingris, and their children.

Family and friends are invited to a Graveside Service on Friday October 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Middlefield Cemetery, Main Street Middlefield, CT 06455. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Project Excel, Inc., c/o Maddie Greenstien, Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave., Meriden, CT 06451, or their website projectexcelmeriden.org. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

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