Elizabeth Claire “Betty” (Shaughnessy) Reidy, 84, died Saturday, July 6th in her home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Francis P. Reidy; their seven children, Susan O’Neil and her husband, Michael of Worcester, Francis Reidy and his wife, Pong of Niceville, FL, James Reidy and his wife, Wendy of Concord, NH, David Reidy of Worcester, Andrew Reidy and his wife, Sari of McLean, VA, Matthew Reidy and his wife, Joann of Worcester and Mary Doheny and her husband, Matthew of Watertown, NY; her sixteen grandchildren that she adored, Michael O’Neil, Jr. and his wife, Katrina, Beth O’Neil, Kathleen O’Neil, Joseph Reidy, Thomas Reidy, Sean Reidy, Taylor Reidy, Erin Reidy, Matthew Reidy, Emily Reidy, Tyler Clark, Anna Reidy, Maria Reidy, Christopher Reidy, Catherine Reidy and Declan Doheny. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and good friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Shaughnessy and two sisters, Mary Shaughnessy and Ann Ryder.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Earls) Shaughnessy. Betty graduated from North High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College and a master’s degree from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. In 1995, she received an honorary doctorate from Assumption College.
Betty was devoted to helping families and children. She served as a clinical social worker for more than 50 years. She worked as Executive Director at Pernet Family Health Center for many years, served as a family clinician at Pernet and Nazareth Home for Boys and as a social worker at Catholic Charities and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Rutland. Throughout her life, Betty was recognized as a good listener and a strong advocate. In addition to her professional work, Betty volunteered for many decades at various organizations including Downing Street Elementary School Parent Teacher Group during the 1960s and most recently at St. Peter’s Church food pantry. She also served on a number of committees and boards, including years on the Diocesan Review Board advocating for victims and families. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Her funeral is Tuesday, July 9th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, July 8th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pernet Family Health Center, 237 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or the Mercy Centre Adult Services, 25 West Chester Street, Worcester, MA 01605. To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit oconnorbrothers.com.