Betty J. Gaffney

Rochester - Age 84. Betty entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She is predeceased by her parents G.V. and Thelma Wilson of Belton, Texas; her son, Kevin Michael; and her daughter, Karen Marie. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Jack Gaffney, of Greece, NY; her son, Keith Gaffney, of Canton, MA; her daughter, Kelly and son-in-law, Jim Gryglewicz of Natick, MA; her grandchildren, Ryan Gryglewicz, Marisa Gaffney, Sean Gryglewicz and Michael Gaffney; her brother, Butch Wilson of Killeen, Texas; her sister, Carol Peters of Temple, Texas; her sister-in-law, Peg Hazeltine of North Chili, NY; her sister-in-law, Ruthann McGinnity (Gene) of Knockatallon, County Moneghan, Ireland; many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Betty grew up in Belton, Texas, graduated from Belton High School and Southwest Texas State University, before becoming a schoolteacher. She met and married Jack Gaffney, who was stationed in the Army in Ft. Hood, Texas. They settled in Jack’s hometown of Rochester, NY, in 1964, where they raised their family and were very involved in their community.

Of all Betty’s beautiful qualities, she is most remembered as nurturing. As the eldest in her family, she took care of her younger siblings, became a teacher, and while raising her family, was a substitute teacher at St. John’s Catholic School in Greece, NY. She went on to become an assistant Kindergarten teacher at Park Ridge Child Care Center in Greece, NY, where she ultimately retired. Her home was always open. She took care of the neighborhood children, her nieces and nephews and was a second mom to her children’s friends.

When she received the title of Grandma in 2001, she was elated. Then in rapid succession, she was blessed with a second grandchild in 2002, and her third and fourth in 2003! She loved being a grandmother and was so happy and proud to see all four of them recently graduate college. Though Parkinson’s Disease prevented her from doing so many of the physical things she wished she could, she was always there, always involved, always cheering them on.

Betty will forever be remembered for her Southern fried chicken and hand cut french fries; her perfect penmanship on the thousands of letters, cards and thank-you notes she wrote; her beautiful hair; her stellar sewing abilities; her perfectly coordinated outfits; her chocolate bundt cakes; her endless patience, thoughtfulness and kindness; her quiet strength, deep faith, and sense of humor.

We are grateful to all the amazing caregivers from Griswold Home Care: Lisa, Michelle, Tiana, Naomi, Linda and Jason; Pat Frearson and team; the nurses at URMC Home Health; and Strong Memorial Palliative Care.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty of memories she created and the love she gave.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Al Sigl Community of Agencies, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14620-3098 or The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.