Sat May 17 10:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, along with information about grief support:
**Needham Mourns the Loss of Elizabeth “Betty” Heffernan, Beloved Wife, Mother, and Community Member**
**NEEDHAM, MA – May 12, 2025** – Longtime Needham resident, Elizabeth “Betty” (Farrell) Heffernan, passed away peacefully at her home in Sherborn on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93 years old.
Betty, as she was affectionately known, was 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, Roy E. Heffernan, Elizabeth A. “Betsy” Heffernan, Michael A. Heffernan Jr., Teresa L. Tocci-Brignolo, Stephen E. Heffernan, and Brian W. Heffernan, as well as 18 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, to Dr. Edward S. Farrell and Helen (Lynch) Farrell, Betty is also survived by her sister, Sheila Hailer.
Betty dedicated her life to caring for others, first as a registered nurse after graduating from St. Joseph Nursing School, and then as a devoted mother to her eight children. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish, known for her baking skills, especially her chocolate chip cookies at bake sales, and her dedication to the Red Cross Blood Drives and the Ladies Guild.
Betty’s warm hugs and engaging presence will be dearly missed throughout the community. She enjoyed playing tennis at the Pool and Racquet Club and hosting events alongside her husband, Mike. She found solace and guidance in her Catholic faith and her relationship with Mother Mary.
Visiting hours will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Wednesday, May 21st, from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Thursday, May 22nd, at 10am. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank Betty’s special caregivers and the Good Shepherd Palliative Care and Hospice Team for their compassionate support. In lieu of flowers, they suggest enjoying a scoop of ice cream in Betty’s memory or donating to a charity of your choice.
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