Obituary of Betty (Mary) Elizabeth Eber

Aunt Betty Eber shared her final smiles and took her last peaceful breath at home

on the morning of December 28, 2024, surrounded by loving family who cared for

her every step of the way. Our dear Aunt Betty was cherished for her sharp wit and

humor, which always brightened family gatherings and left those around her

smiling.

 

Born to Nora Lehane Haggerty and Patrick Joseph Haggerty on May 4, 1925 in

Rochester, New York, Betty’s early years were cultivated as the middle child of

five siblings, raised with the simple yet steadfast values instilled by their Irish-born

parents during The Great Depression. Aunt Betty drew upon her early influences

for the rest of her life. She carried her lessons of fairness and equity throughout

her life. She spoke often and warmly of her parents and her siblings, cherishing

their influence long after some of them had passed. The foundation of her

childhood encapsulated the principles that guided her into adulthood.

 

Our Aunt Betty attended school and church in Saint Monica’s Parish in the 19th

Ward amongst family and friends hailing from Bantry Bay, Ireland. She excelled

in the sciences in high school under the steady influence of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Nazareth Academy.  During World War II, she began her career in a chemistry lab before transitioning to a career as a legal secretary.  She eventually found her place as an administrative assistant at Washington Irving School, where she formed strong bonds and lasting connections.

 

During her journey, she met her love, John Regan Eber, through her sorority sister,

Jayne Eber Young Sparrazza, forming a bond that would last a lifetime. Together,

Aunt Betty and Uncle John made a striking couple who revelled in an active social

life. Flawlessly drawn to one another, they remained steadfast in their devotion for

sixty-five years. They resided in many and varied communities in and around the Rochester area before settling into their cherished home in Webster, NY.

There, they delighted in the beauty of their surroundings and embraced quieter moments near their cherished niece, Mary Beth, and her family.

How Meghan and Ryan thrived under the warmth of Aunt Betty’s endless accolades and cheer!  Beyond treasuring time with her family,

Aunt Betty found delight in golf, reading, cooking and playing bridge with a close-knit circle of friends. No matter how busy she was, she always found time to dote on John, who was truly her greatest love. Among her most cherished adventures was traveling to Ireland with him.

 

Our Uncle John was her everything - her soulmate, best friend, and unwavering

partner in every aspect of life. Their bond was extraordinary, and Aunt Betty’s

strength and resilience in carrying on for nearly a decade without him is a

testament to the deep love they shared. Although they did not have children of

their own, they created a family of love and connection through their cherished

relationships with their nieces, Noreen and Mary Beth, their nephews Ken and

Bob, and their great-niece and nephews, Meghan, Ryan and Tighe. Aunt Betty

had a unique gift for turning even the simplest moments into extraordinary

memories, making everyone around her feel so special. As godparents to

countless children, their influence reached far and wide, touching the lives of

many with warmth, guidance and unwavering support. Even those who had never

met Aunt Betty felt as though they had known her for years. Together, they were

a constant source of love and warmth, known to all as Aunt Betty and Uncle

John.

 

After Uncle John passed away in 2015, Aunt Betty remained deeply grateful for

the beautiful people who surrounded and supported her, often expressing her

heartfelt appreciation. Mary Beth, Ken, Meghan and Ryan imbued a quality of life

that enabled Aunt Betty to sustain the autonomy she so valued. Their unwavering

presence allowed her to continue living with the same innate elegance and grace

that defined her. Together, Aunt Betty and Uncle John dreamed big, pondered all matters deeply, and yet lived honest and straight-forward lives that commanded the respect of all who knew them.

 

Aunt Betty’s essence lives on in the laughter of loved ones, in the cherished

memories shared by her devoted nieces, Mary Beth Conway (Kenneth Dens) of

Rochester, New York, Noreen Conway (Robert Raymond) of Washington, DC and

in the hearts of her precious great-niece and nephews, Meghan Dens, Ryan Dens

and Tighe Raymond, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

 

Aunt Betty is now reunited with her beloved husband, John Regan Eber, her dear

sisters, Carol Haggerty Conway and Eileen Haggerty Beecher, and her brave

brothers, John Patrick (Jack) Haggerty and Timothy James Haggerty, who served

as war heroes.

 

Honoring her wishes, a private burial service was held, allowing those closest to

Aunt Betty and her family to bid farewell and honor her in quiet reflection and

love.

 

Personal condolences may be sent to Aunt Betty’s Family at 1115 Ohstrom Park,

Webster, NY 14580.

Slán agus beannacht, Aunt Betty — may you find peace and light beside Uncle

John, forever