Elizabeth “Betty” S. Healy

Elizabeth “Betty” S. Burden Healy, age 80, wife, mother, grandmother, friend to many, and a longtime community supporter, died peacefully at home on December 5, 2016, with her devoted husband, Tim, at her side. Betty was born on March 18, 1936, an only child of the late Irma Louise Matthews Burden and William Ray Burden in Louisville, Kentucky.

Betty attended Lexington Catholic Elementary until second grade and then lived and continued her elementary and secondary education at Cardome Visitation Academy, operated by the Visitation Sisters in Lexington. At age thirteen, under the loving guidance of Sister Mary Julia, Betty was baptized into the Catholic faith, which she professed and lived faithfully for her entire life. She honored Sr. Mary Julia as her second mother. Following graduation, she earned her degree as a medical technologist from the University of Kentucky. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington for six years as a registered social clinical pathologist and then as manager of the laboratory at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio.

Betty met Tim through a mutual friend. They were married March 7, 1957, in Lexington within six months after their first date. Employment opportunities led Betty and Tim to Newark. After four years of praying for the gift of children, they applied to Catholic Charities for adoption. Through Betty’s fervent prayer and devotion to St. Padre Pio, a wave of incense enfolded her and then an immediate phone call from Catholic Charities that a baby was awaiting them. Infant Kathleen was welcomed into their home in 1963 and then infant Patrick joined the Healy family in 1965. Kathy and Pat flourished in the Healy home where joy and generous hospitality abounded.

Thirty years of faithful service in the community life at Holy Cross parish, with the Erie Philharmonic, and in her social relationships were the hallmarks of Betty’s life. She was honored as Lady of St. Patrick, had a solo part in the choir in St. Peter Basilica in Rome during the 2001 Holy Year Pilgrimage and earned the status of Board Emeritus for her years of service to the Erie Philharmonic Board. Her faith life deepened through her participation in the Holy Cross choir. Betty treasured her numerous trips with Tim to Ireland and to football weekends at Notre Dame. Active involvement with Meals on Wheels and St. Patrick Day celebrations were shared with Tim over several years. As well as being an exceptional athlete, she was a great cook, hosted annual Kentucky Derby parties, and loved to welcome friends into their home.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Tim Healy, daughter Kathleen McGarrey of Erie, son Patrick Healy (Michelle) of Millcreek, and her three grandchildren, Paul Davis of Erie, Caitlin Healy of Erie, Alec Healy, of Millcreek and sister-in-law Judy Sullivan Healy, of Newark, Ohio.; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 8th, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 7100 West Ridge Road, Fairview, and are invited to attend the Mass of Resurrection there on Friday, December 9th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Tyler celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Erie Philharmonic, 23 West 10th St., Suite 3, Erie, PA 16502 or to Holy Cross Church, 7100 West Ridge Road, Fairview, PA 16415.