Elizabeth L O'Brien

Elizabeth L. O’Brien (Bates) “Betty” passed away at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA on Sunday morning November 23rd at the age of 90. She was born in Springfield, February 5th, 1935, daughter of the late Joseph P. Bates and Margaret A. Bates (McCormick) and was a 1953 graduate of the former Technical High School of Springfield. After graduation, Betty took up employment as an accounting administrator with the New England Telephone Company where she was employed for 35 years and where she subsequently retired. Betty was an avid shopper, jewelry enthusiast, and lover of dogs. She was married in 1978 to William J. O’Brien (Bill) of West Springfield, where the two settled. She was a 35-year parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, also in West Springfield. She leaves behind her son, William J. O’Brien (Billy) of North Reading, MA, and his wife Megan O’Brien and her two beloved granddaughters, Elise O’Brien (11) and Grace O’Brien (8). She was predeceased by her devoted husband Bill who passed away in 1997. Betty came from a large family where she was the last surviving member of the Bates family of 9 children. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1st with calling hours from 9-11 AM, followed by a short service at Toomey O’Brien Funeral Home at 1043 Westfield Street in West Springfield. Burial ceremony at St. Thomas Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Care Dimensions Hospice headquartered in Danvers, MA.