Elizabeth Anne “Betty” (Murphy) Hartnett, age 83 of Huntington, passed away peacefully Friday, August 28, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Center in Trumbull, CT.
She was the wife of the late John Francis Hartnett, and they were married for 43 years. They lived in the Huntington section of Shelton for more than 40 years.
Betty was born in Newton, Mass., the daughter of John Amos Murphy and Mary Clark Murphy, and was one of 12 children.
She attended Boston University’s Sargent College, graduating with a degree in physical education.
For several years, she taught physical education in Westchester, New York before going to work for the U.S. Army as a teacher in schools at German and French military bases, where she met her husband and where her oldest daughter was born. She saw many European countries with her husband, coworkers and friends.
Betty earned her master’s degree in library science from Housatonic Community College. She worked at Shelton High School in the library as well as at Masuk High School in Monroe. Betty was a member of the Olde Ripton Garden Club.
She also helped found the Homemakers Club at St. Lawrence Church in Huntington, and was a member of the Friends of the Library in Shelton. Betty loved the game of tennis, the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball team, and the ocean, where she spent time looking for shells and sea glass.
Betty leaves three daughters, Aimee Ballard of New Milford, CT; Laura Gourlay of Peterborough, NH; and Beth Lazar of Milford, CT, two sons-in-law, Jonathan Gourlay and Christopher Lazar, as well as her four beloved grandsons, Ethan and Becket Gourlay, and Alexander and Justin Lazar. Of her 11 siblings, three brothers survive her: Richard Murphy of Marshfield, Mass., James Murphy of St. Augustine, Fla., and Kevin Murphy of Gloucester, Mass. Many, many nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews, survive her as well.
The family would like to thank Crosby Commons, Constellation Health Services, Life Choice Hospice and St. Joseph’s Manor for the care they provided to her.
Arrangements are being handled by the James T. Toohey & Son Funeral Home, 92 Howe Ave., Shelton, CT.
Calling hours are on Friday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 7PM in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 5 at 10 AM at St. Lawrence Church in Shelton, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, or the North American Sea Glass Association (NASGA) through the funeral home.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.tooheyfuneralhome.com
