ELIZABETH CLEARY OBITUARY
Elizabeth (Betty) Cleary, 89, went to her Lord on Tuesday, May 4th. A native of the Bronx, Betty was born to Charles and Elizabeth Shalvey, and was the older sister to Arlene. An avid sports fan growing up, Betty could frequently be found at Yankee Stadium with her grandfather or cheering on the NY Giants at the Polo Grounds. She was a graduate of St. Jean the Baptist in Manhattan.
In 1956, Betty married the love of her life, Thomas J. Cleary, and together they raised 8 children: Thomas Jr, Cathleen, Brian, Maureen, Kevin, Patricia, Michael, and Christopher. She was predeceased by her husband and sons Brian and Kevin. Known as Grandma, Nans or Nana to her 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, Betty would be front and center cheering them on at their various sporting events.
A longtime resident of Bronxville, Betty was an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church, delivering meals to the elderly as well as serving as a Eucharistic Minister. In response to her endless commitment and work on behalf of the Catholic Church, Betty was made a Dame of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, whose mission is to assist the religious, spiritual, charitable and rights of the Church.
Calling Hours will be at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville on Monday, May 10th between the hours of 5 to 8pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville on Tuesday, May 11th at 10:45am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences(3)-
-
-
Ann Seeker says
May 6, 2021 at 9:57 pmHeaven will never be the same with Betty Cleary in the arms of the almighty, eternal and omnipotent God, who loved her more than any of us could even imagine! She’s finally able to ask all the right questions, understand the mysteries & validate her place in God’s plan, as His most faithful, willing and humble servant. She’s getting it all straight now, with a clearer vision of her life’s purpose and meaning, and what it all meant for His greater glory!
You can be sure that there’s a party in the heavenly host unlike ever before and yet our loss leaves a profound void in our own stories. We are heartbroken to lose her courage, her resilience and her perseverance in faith, while we cherish the love, the inspiration and the tenacity she brought to her family, her friends and the world! It has been the gift of a lifetime to share in the story of Betty Cleary!
Keep us close, Aunt Betty, and help us feel your presence until we meet again!
XO, Ann & the Seekers
Martin, Mary and Family says
May 7, 2021 at 9:39 pmDear Chris and The Cleary Family;
We are saddened to learn of this loss and hope you all remember the better times and happy memories of your beloved Mother.
Our sincere, deepest sympathy to you all.
Love,
Martin, Mary and Family
deborah miriam CURRAN says
May 9, 2021 at 1:23 pmIt was always an inspiration to see Betty up front on the left at the 6:45 mass at St, Joseph’s for so many years. Her graciuos smile and wave is a memory I will always have of her.
Now she can pray for all of us here.
Debbie Curran