Mary Elizabeth O’Connor was a devoted member and a cherished friend to many of us. She served as the Chaplain of our Unit for many years . She was the mother of 6, the grandmother of 18 and the great grandmother of 10 children. Betty loved her God, her family, her community and her country.
Betty joined our Unit in 1996 and was presented with her 20-Year Certificate at our luncheon in June. The Certificate was not a recognition just of time spent, but rather of time well spent. Betty attended all of our meetings and always shared in the fun at an Oktoberfest, a BINGO night and a St. Patrick’s Day party. She supported our veterans and our active military through her participation in all of our fundraisers and always voted yes when it came to designating funds for them. Until this year, she helped us obtain donations for Poppies at the side door of St. Mary’s. She participated in the Veterans’ Day Parades, the Memorial Day Services and the Memorial Day Parades and award ceremonies.
Betty was a teacher at Shelter Rock School for 23 years and retired just prior to the loss of her beloved husband, Gene. Betty certainly gave back to the community she loved, not only as a teacher, but also as a former Board member of the Manhasset Community Club. Her love for St. Mary’s led her to become a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Rosary Society and the Social Ministry. She was one of the founders of a bereavement program and FOCUS or Friends Offering Care, Understanding and Support to those who were divorced, single or widowed. She visited the home-bound and the sick at North Shore Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. Betty thoroughly enjoyed the North Hempstead Country Club and often invited friends to join her for lunch or a special celebration. She could often be found enjoying a game of Bridge at the home of a friend.
Betty’s spirit will always remain with us in the American Legion Auxiliary and will surely continue to be a positive force for good within St. Mary’s.
