Dorothy T. Gallagher Bettinger, of Huntingdon Valley, PA died peacefully on Monday, November 15, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Manor in Huntingdon Valley. She was 84.
She was the beloved wife of 63 years to the late Edward J. Bettinger who recently passed away in July of this year.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Helen Brogan Gallagher and sister of the late Jane Cirino and Loretta Anstey.
Dot was a resident of Huntingdon Valley for 53 years. She was a graduate of Villa Marie Academy in Malvern, PA, Class of 1942. Dot was the first student in the history of the school who was valedictorian of her class at the age of sixteen.
For 32 years, she was a volunteer at Holy Redeemer Hospital and in her leisure time she enjoyed tournament bridge and playing golf, but her family came first and foremost in her life. She was a dedicated mother who successfully raised eight children and adored being a grandmother and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who came to know her.
She is survived by her 8 devoted children; Barbara Boyle, Sharon Barron, Edward J. Bettinger, Jr., Mary Kay Speese, Jeffrey S. Bettinger, Gail Boyle, Dori Bellezza, Meg Marshall and her two sisters, Mary Casey and Betty Costanza. She is also survived by 18 dear grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday, November 18, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer Provincialate, Attn: Sister Ann Marie Haas, 521 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.