Betty’s life was one of caring, kindness and devotion
THE community around Ferns was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Dunbar (née Doyle) of Ballylough House, Ferns. Betty passed away on February 20 in St Vincent’s Hospital and although she had been ill for some time beforehand, her passing came as a huge shock for her family.
Betty was born on November 4, 1938 to parents Annie and James Doyle in Tombrack, Ferns. There she was raised on the family farm along with her siblings Johnny, Nan, Mary, Joan and Margaret. She went to school in Tombrack and Bunclody and her career started in the House of Mission in Enniscorthy. From there, she travelled to Ayrshire in Scotland and then to Whipps
Cross Hospital where she successfully graduated as a nurse and midwife. She was also employed in Dublin Rehab Centre in
Dun Laoghaire for a period before making the big move to America where she worked as a nurse in New Jersey for some time.
While she was there, it was the love letters of her future husband Pat Dunbar which brouught her home and the pair were eventually married in 1966.
The pair enjoyed a very happy life together and Betty was very involved in the day to day running of the family farm at Ballylough House where she also raised their beloved five children - Thomas, Pauline, Anita, Laura and James. Her life was a life of caring, kindness and devout devotion to her faith. She was deeply religious and praying eased all her fears and worries. Betty was a member of the Legion of Mary and every Thursday she would do her Holy Hour of Adoration at the convent in Ferns. She also regularly attended the annual pilgrimage to Knock and Our Lady’s Island.
Betty also had a great love of singing and was a proud member of the Ferns Church Choir. She was also a member of the active retirement group and enjoyed many days away with them. She was a great lover of country and Irish music and enjoyed many nights of song and dance around the county with friends. A real social soul, Betty was very well liked in her local community and will be sadly missed. Anyone who called to the hosue at Ballylough was always made to feel very welcome.
Betty is survived by her sons Thomas and James; daughters Pauline (Dobbs), Anita (Sutton) and Laura (Cullen); nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law and sisters Margaret Jordan and Joan Lynch (New Jersey). She is predeceased by her beloved husband Pat, brother John and sisters Mary Kenny and Ann Lancaster.
Betty’s Month’s Mind Mass takes place this Friday, March 23, at 7.30 p.m. at St Aidan’s Church, Ferns.