Elizabeth "Be" Dunne

Elizabeth M. Dunne, affectionately known as Be, passed away on June 21, 2015 at Stamford Hospital in the presence of her loved ones, at the age of 81. Born in the Bronx on June 11, 1934, Betty was the daughter of the late Michael and Bridget (nee McNeive) Dunne and was the loving sister of the late Mary Noone, James, Michael, and Ellen Marie Dunne. Betty lived most of her life in the Bronx and on Long Island and resided the last several years in Heritage Village in Southbury, CT.

As a nurse, Betty's innate kindness and compassionate demeanor were witnessed by countless patients and medical professionals. For 25 years, she worked in private practice in New York City for a renowned Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon. Then, for 20 years, she worked for a family practice physician in Stony Brook, NY.

Betty was an unabashed animal lover, and all of her pets over the years were integral members of her family. However, Be's true calling in life was to be a loving, engaged and gentle presence as Aunt Be for her numerous nephews and nieces, whom she loved greatly and was loved in return. Due to proximity, she was particularly close to her nephew and godson's family, Michael and Mary Alice Noone and their boys, to whom she acted as a second mother and grandmother.

While she endured significant health struggles in the last several months, her gentle, calming and loving demeanor never waivered, and she faced each new challenge with steely resolve, quiet determination and a sense of grace. Her courage and fortitude in these last months were a lasting gift to her loved ones on how to face life's challenges head-on with great dignity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church on Friday, June 26 at 10 am. Internment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY. Friends and family are invited to call from 4-8 pm on Thursday, June 25 at the Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford. To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com