Elizabeth Ann McGee

In loving memory of our dear Elizabeth Ann "Betty" McGee, a cherished wife, loving sister, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and thoughtful friend. Elizabeth, age 81, was called to eternal rest on November 12, 2023, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family, at her home in Chesapeake, VA.

Elizabeth was born on January 10, 1942, in Manhattan, NY to Irish immigrant parents Patrick Farley and Anna (Hilley) Farley. While in high school, Elizabeth worked as a long-distance telephone operator for Bell. She graduated from St. Helena's Commercial High School in Bronx, NY in 1960. In the same year, fate brought Elizabeth and her husband John Paul McGee together in a bustling New York City pizza parlor. Soon after, they shared their first date on Valentine's Day, at a screening of 'Flaming Star' featuring Elizabeth's favorite, Elvis Presley. Elizabeth and John were married on June 1, 1960, in Yonkers, NY. They welcomed their first child, Patricia, into the world in July of 1961, followed by their eldest son John Charles 13 months later. Maureen, their angel daughter, was born in September of the following year. In August of 1969, their youngest son Kenneth was born. Elizabeth worked for the United States Postal Service in Circleville while raising her 3 beautiful children. Elizabeth and John relocated from New York City to Circleville, NY in 1971 where they remained for 26 years before relocating to Virginia. They remained in Virginia through Elizabeth's passing.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 63 years John Paul McGee, her twin brother Edward Farley and his wife Edith Farley, her daughter Patricia, her youngest son Kenneth, her eldest son John Charles and his wife Dawn McGee, her granddaughter Kelly McGee, and many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents Patrick Farley and Anna (Hilley) Farley, her sister Maureen Madden, her brother James Farley, and her infant daughter Maureen McGee.

Elizabeth took pride in her faith and her Irish heritage, with a love for Irish blessings and Celtic crosses which adorned her home. In keeping with her Irish heritage, Elizabeth had the gift of the gab and enjoyed connecting with those she loved. Whether in person, through phone conversations, or thoughtful letters and cards, she had a special way of making the people in her life feel valued and cared for. She loved celebrating holidays and curated special gift packages for her family to mark every occasion, even including the family pets in the festivities. In particular, she loved Christmas, especially as it meant she was able to play "Mrs. Claus" and spoil those she loved. She enjoyed making friends out of strangers and took every opportunity she could to lovingly boast about her children and granddaughter. She was immensely proud of her family and adored her roles as mother and grandmother. Elizabeth had a funny and playful spirit, always ready to share a laugh with her family and friends, and never passed up an opportunity to add a cute stuffed animal to her collection. She also believed in the power of looking your best and took pride in presenting herself with elegance and style. Her style included flawless hair and makeup, and a signature blend of comfort and fashion marked by her love for leopard print and cozy slippers. Elizabeth was a force to be reckoned with and lived life boldly on her own terms. Her fiery spirit was matched only by her capacity for love and encouragement. She believed fiercely in those she loved and in turn taught them to believe in themselves.

We invite you to join us for a graveside service on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The service will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, located at 10 W Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532. If you would like to send flowers in honor of Elizabeth, they can be directed to Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services. Memorial donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation . Please join us in remembering and honoring Elizabeth by sharing your memories, videos, and photos on the tribute wall of her obituary page.

Though the passing of Elizabeth leaves an unfillable hole in our family, we take solace in knowing that she is at peace with the Lord and free from any earthly restraints. Her presence will be forever missed and our memories of her will be forever cherished. Betty, Mom, Grandma, we love you to the moon and back.