Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Farrell) Heffernan

Elizabeth A. (Farrell) Heffernan

April 5, 1932- May 9, 2025

"Best Hugs Ever!"

Elizabeth "Betty" Heffernan, longtime Needham, MA resident died on Friday, May 9, 2025 at home in Sherborn, MA, surrounded by her family.

She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Michael A Heffernan, Sr., and her daughter Sheila M. McDonough.

She is survived by her children: Kathleen E. Heffernan of Worcester, MA; Roy E. Heffernan and his wife Clare (Halvey) of Cataumet, MA; Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Heffernan and her husband John Thomson of Natick, MA; Michael A. Heffernan Jr. and his wife Karin (Bloom) of Sutton Mills, NH; Teresa L Tocci-Brignolo of Norton, MA; Stephen E. Heffernan and his partner Patricia Murphy of Plymouth, MA; and Brian W. Heffernan and his wife Nancy ( Bellomo) of Westborough, MA.

She is "Grandma" or "Babette" to Kelly, Matthew, Anna, Elise, Samantha, Luke, Jana, Shamus, Lindy, Geneva, Adam, Jeffrey, Kayla, Austin, Julia, Michael, Bridget, and Kate. Great Grandma to Riley, Gavin, Nathan, Devin, John, lzabella, Carter, Caroline, Jack, Ben, Drew, Emma, Anora, Avett, Grayson, James and counting...

Betty was born one of seven children in Glen Ridge NJ on April 5,1932 to Dr. Edward S. Farrell and Helen (Lynch) Farrell. She is survived by her sister, Sheila Hailer, and her husband Donald Hailer of Pompton Plains, NJ. She was predeceased by her siblings Joan Feeney, Ellen Mullin, Edward Farrell, Richard Farrell and Linda Fahey.

Betty spent her high school years living and working at Mount St. Dominic  Academy in Caldwell, NJ. She excelled on their varsity basketball team. Then, graduated St. Joseph Nursing School with a degree in Nursing. She loved caring and visiting with patients. It served her well raising her 8 athletic kids.

It was love at first sight when Mike met Betty in Falmouth at age 16. A true beauty, he had his eyes set on marrying her even back then. They honeymooned in Bermuda, the first of many trips there. On their 50th anniversary with all their children and grandchildren, an honorary statue was donated in the gardens of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. She found strength through her relationship with Mother Mary, and she often turned to her for guidance. As a devout Catholic and member of St. Joseph's Parish, she was joyfully involved in the bake sales with her lovingly made chocolate chip cookies, spearheaded the Red Cross Blood Drives, and an active member of the Ladies Guild. Everyone loved seeing Betty in town, at the Pool and Racquet Club playing tennis, and at the many events that Mike and Betty hosted. Betty's greatest gift to family, friends and community may have been her warm hugs...memorable to all lucky enough to receive one.

Thanks to the special caregivers who loved Betty and to the Good Shepherd Palliative Care and Hospice Team.

Ice cream was her favorite, so have a scoop or a cone, or donate to your favorite charity in her memory.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Wednesday, May 21st from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Thursday, May 22nd at 10am. Interment is private. 

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