Betty Frances Gaffney
October 25, 2023
Betty Frances Gaffney (Nee' Shaughnessy) of Waltonwood, Novi MI passed away on Wednesday, October 25th,2023 with her family by her side.
Betty was beloved by her family and friends, and would say she enjoyed a "hale, hearty, healthy" life till her last days while feeling very "blessed" to have the family, friends and wonderful memories she experienced during her lifetime.
Betty was born on August 28, 1930 in Detroit MI (along with her twin sister Joan), where she was raised by her mother Margaret Shaughnessy and grandparents Elizabeth and Thomas McGuire. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard "Dick" Gaffney and parents, Francis and Margaret Shaughnessy.
Betty later married Richard "Dick" Gaffney on October 13th,1956 and made her family her career - raising her 5 children, caring for her beloved mother in law Vivian Gaffney in Redford Twp, MI. Betty also worked several years for the Redford Twp school system and retired after 13 plus years of service with the school system.
Betty and Dick enjoyed several years in retirement at Canadian Lakes in the summer and as snowbirds in the winters at Ft. Meyers, FL with numerous family and friends and cousins. They were thankful for these years together, sharing good times, laughter, golfing and bonfire and beachside fun with family.
Betty was an avid reader (her second love), a natural caretaker, and golfer in her retirement years. She loved listening and watching sports since childhood, with favorite teams being the Detroit Red Wings, Lions and the Detroit Tigers. She was the biggest fan of her children's and grandchildren's activities and attended many, many games and events throughout the years. She savored many memories of holidays, birthdays, camping fun and annual Cedar Point trips in the early years with her husband, sister, children, grandkids, cousins, nieces and nephews, and in-laws. Family was a blessing to Betty and she will be missed by them.
Betty is survived by her children Michael Gaffney (Jeanne), Colleen Gaffney (Darin Sizemore), Daniel Gaffney (Anne), Patrick Gaffney (Kimberly), and Joseph Gaffney (Carol), her grandchildren: Megan (John Paul Regan), Sean (Katie Venegas), Molly (Jordan May), Katie (Tyler Stauch), Mikey (Natalie Stiles), Shane, Margaret (Michael Knox), Tara, Vivian, Owen, Sydnee (Kyle Klocko), Andrei, Ian, Jean and Colin. Betty is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, her sister Joan and brother in law John Hipple Sr., along with many close wonderful nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
Betty will be remembered by her infectious laugh, spunky wit and sense of humor and the many heart to heart talks she enjoyed with her children and family. She will be missed as a loving constant in her family's life.
A private service was held to celebrate Betty's life and legacy. Donations in memory of Betty can be made to
Compassus Hospice
or to the
Catholic Youth Organization Camp