Elizabeth Anne Doherty

Known to those that loved her as Betty. Betty loved the color purple, and would wear purple whenever she could, especially if it were the color of her leggings and scrunchy shirts. Betty was dedicated to her faith and adored the Blessed Mother. One of Betty’s favorite pastimes was shopping, especially for jewelry and Estee Lauder’s “White Linen” perfume. You’d think she purchased items right out of the Sears catalog, but they served another purpose.

Betty, a non-swimmer, loved the ocean. She’d bring her duck umbrella and a beach umbrella, stick her feet in the water and relax. Betty also loved the perks of living in Florida, such as spotting dolphins, the palm tree landscaping, and a flamingo here and there.

Betty loved to write, especially letters to her grandchildren. After retirement, Betty could be found listening to Patsy Cline while indulging in chocolate covered strawberries, ice cream, and hot tea.

Betty was associated with many things, but the most special was being the matriarch. Family always came first. Every title she was given, she did it perfectly. Daughter. Sister. Wife. Mother. Mom-mom. G-Mom-mom. Gigi.

Born: November 25, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Died: May 20, 2022, at William Child’s Hospice House, Palm Bay, Florida

Residences: Philadelphia, PA; Havertown, PA; Micco, FL

Honors: Betty was a volunteer for Child Abuse efforts at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and received recognition for her work from Judge Lisa Richette of the Philadelphia Family Court.

Retired From: 35 years as a Phone Operator for Bel-Mid Atlantic in Philadelphia, PA. Betty later came out of retirement to be a Secretary at Ridge Automotive in Micco, FL.

Religion: Betty was a life-long, devout Catholic. She was a member of the St. Luke’s Catholic Church parish in Micco, FL for 33 years.

Memberships/Clubs/Organizations: Ladies of the Loyal Order of the Moose (Secretary & Friendship for Ladies), Barefoot Bay Women’s Dart League, Irish American Club of Barefoot Bay, MidAtlantic Club, Eagles Club, Polish Club of Barefoot Bay, British Club of Barefoot Bay

Volunteer Work: A five-time cancer survivor, Betty dedicated much of her time to sharing her experiences with others and helping them through their own journeys as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. In addition, Betty was also worked with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in the 1990s to establish a Police Athletic League youth group in Barefoot Bay. As the coordinator for the group, she worked with businesses in the community to organize events, classes, and other enrichening activities for the area’s children and teens. All free of charge.

Survived By: Her four children: Nancy O’Hara (John), Betty Anne Bartkus (David), Kathleen Short, and James Doherty (LuAnn); Her sisters: Suzanne Murphy (Joseph), Eileen Sawyer (Mike), and Jean Tregar (Harry); 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews

Predeceased By: Her parents, John and Anna “Kate” Stewart; the love of her life, James Patrick Doherty; Her sisters, Sister Regina Eileen IHM and Jean Collins; and her great-grandson, Tyler Edmund James Lawley

Funeral Mass for Betty to be held:
Friday, May 27, 2022
St. Luke’s Catholic Church
Viewing: 9:30am – 10:30am
Mass: 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Health First – William Child’s Hospice House
381 Medplex Pkwy
Palm Bay, FL 32907

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory