Obituary of Elizabeth McElhill

Elizabeth (Betty) McElhill, born July 18, 1928 in New Rochelle New York, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2022 in Tuscon, AZ at the age of 94. Preceded in death by her parents, Francis B. McElhill Sr. and Gertrude Sully McElhill, her brother, Francis B. McElhill, Jr., and sister, Margaret (Peggy) Yaun. She is survived by her nieces, Joan Ducarpe (Maurice) and Patricia Matherne (Jody), and her great nieces and nephews, Kimberly Ducarpe, Kourtney Moore (Nathan), Maurice Ducarpe IV (Crystal), David Matherne (Jessica), Kyle Matherne (Maria), Aubrey Matherne, Owen Matherne, Cason Matherne, Maurice Ducarpe V, and Baby Moore, who is on the way.

Betty grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and was one of the few women who graduated from MIT University in 1949 with a degree in Chemistry. She also lived in New York, California, and Tuscon, AZ. While Betty lived in California, she earned a degree in respiratory therapy and worked as a Respiratory Therapist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Loma Linda, California. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, and spent most of her free time traveling, volunteering, and helping those in need. She loved to read and was a life-long learner. She will forever be remembered and admired for her strong, independent spirit, generosity and warmth towards her family, and an unwavering commitment towards peace and justice in the world.

The family would like to thank Betty’s dear friend and faithful caretaker, Mary Decamp who gave Betty comfort and support to her during her final days.

Betty will be laid to rest at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline, Massachusetts with her parents Frank and Gertrude McElhill.