Elizabeth "Betty" O'Beirne, of Natick, MA, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 31 at the age of 84.

Betty was born on July 11, 1941, in Boston, MA, one of two daughters of Madeline and John Whelan. She attended St. Mary's in Brookline and earned her RN from St. Elizabeth's Hospital. During those years, she met and was swept off her feet by her soon-to-be husband of 60 years, James "Jay" O'Beirne. It was the beginning of a storybook romance and a life together that included raising their family in Beverly Farms, Weymouth, and Hanover, and later making homes in Winchester and Natick.

Betty is predeceased by her beloved sons, Christopher and Mark; her parents; and her sister, Mary Whelan.

Betty's nursing career spanned more than 40 years, during which she provided compassionate end-of-life care to countless patients and families. She was an incredibly knowledgeable and patient caregiver—not only in her professional life, but in so many aspects of her personal life as well. She and her husband were fervent advocates for supporting others, whether through their church, their community, or their family.

Betty's "happy place" was her home in West Yarmouth, MA, where she loved feeling the sun on her face and sand between her toes. She found great joy in hosting her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Her generosity knew no bounds, and trips to the beach, poking through shops, and stopping at every ice cream stand were essential parts of Cape Cod life.

Known affectionately as "Gobby" to her ten grandchildren, she could often be found curled up on the couch with a few of them, sharing peppermint ice cream or telling stories on the back patio. Her grandchildren measured a successful trip to the Cape by how much one-on-one time they had with Gobby—and by the availability of her world-famous potato salad.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband, Jay O'Beirne; her beloved children Karen (Buz Bedford) O'Beirne; Cheryl (Mike) Philipps; and Robert (Jennifer) O'Beirne; and her cherished grandchildren Heather Small, Christopher, Ryan, Abigail, and Madelyn Philipps; William Bedford and Aden O'Beirne; and Skylar, Beau, and Joseph O'Beirne. She was blessed with many in-laws who were much more than that, and she often spoke of the deep gratitude she felt for her extended family, whom she counted among her dearest friends.

A funeral service will be held at the Union Church, Waban, MA, on Monday, January 5. Visitation will take place in the sanctuary from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at 14 Collins Road, Waban, MA 02468. Interment will take place the following day in Hanover at the Hanover Center Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Church, Waban.

For relatives and friends who are planning to attend the service through the Zoom, please click here:

Elizabeth "Betty" O'Beirne Service

Meeting ID: 826 8730 1128

Passcode: 386028

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