Betty was born in 1929 in Astoria, Queens to Bernard and Margaret Gillece. She spent her formative years there with her siblings Catherine, James, and Margaret. Betty graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer High School. She worked at the New York Telephone Company where she met her husband, John. They were destined to share nearly 50 years together. Betty was a devoted wife and mother. John and Betty made their home in East Meadow and there they raised four children, John (Pat), Michael (Suzanne), the late Tricia (Herbie) and Kathleen (Brian). Central to Betty’s life were her family and her Catholic faith. She took great pride in her children’s and grand children’s lives and accomplishments. Betty was a parishioner of St. Raphael’s parish for 64 years. She served as a volunteer at Parish Outreach for 30 years, only retiring three months ago. The rosary was a part of her daily life. Betty took great delight in her Irish heritage. She loved everything Irish, especially shepherd’s pie, scones and the Wantagh Inn. Betty had a sharp wit, a quick tongue and a huge heart! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her especially her grandchildren, Brendan, Kevin, Kelly, Deirdre (T.J.), Ryan, Melissa, John, Cara and Liam.