Elizabeth Ann Gavan

Elizabeth Ann Gavan died peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 4, 2020. Elizabeth was born July 5, 1947, to Patrick and Julia Gavan in Lakewood, NJ. She graduated from Lakewood High School and Georgian Court College. She taught art at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Toms River, where she was recognized as the NJ Governor's Teacher of the Year in 1989 and 1997.

Whether you called her Mommy or Betty Ann or Liz or Doo Doo or Nanny or Mrs. Trachtenberg, you would know that this woman was filled with strength most of us can only imagine. She fought long and hard with grace and grit and humor. She'll be with all of us when we look back at a beautiful card she made, slather on extra butter, show kindness to a perfect stranger, fight harder than we thought we could, or sprinkle glitter on just about anything.

Elizabeth is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Neil, Dominique and Jason, and Kathleen and Michael; five grandchildren, Annie, Mickey, Ellie, Bridget, and Gavin; three sisters, Joyce, Pat, and Colleen; two nieces and one nephew, Erin, Kerri, and Conor; two bonus children, Brian and Lisa, and their five children; and too many cousins and friends to count. And Maribel, our nurse and our angel, thank you for guiding us all on this journey. You are our family.

Elizabeth's family is planning a funeral mass and celebration of her life when gathering is safe again. In lieu of flowers, please leave an outrageously extravagant tip for the next person who works hard to brighten your day who others might find invisible.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press from Oct. 10 to Oct. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Gavan

Sponsored by Polhemus Cremation Services.

15 Entries

Rose Pascale

October 19, 2020

I just heard of Betty Ann’s passing on Sunday, & I kept tearing up all day:(
I now see it happened 2 weeks ago. Please let me know when her funeral mass will be. I will miss my dear sweet friend

Rose Pascale

October 19, 2020

I just heard of Betty Ann’s passing on Sunday, & I kept tearing up all day:(
I now see it happened 2 weeks ago. Please let me know when her funeral mass will be. I will miss my dear sweet friend

Lucinda Kapitan

October 15, 2020

Elizabeth was the kindest and most wonderful lady I was blessed to call friend .She always had a smile and help me get through some sad times . I was so honored and blessed to be her friend ❤

Dawn Hawkins

October 15, 2020

God open his arms and embraced a beautiful woman today. Liz was a true worrier. Fighting, loving and always there for everyone. May all the memories of her wonderful life bring comfort to her family. I know she would want everyone to celebrate her life in their own way. This will bring her joy. With much love Dawn and Jim Hawkins

Michael McGing

October 12, 2020

I first met Betty Ann when she came to Ireland with her Mother Julia in 1953. We played together in Michael Durkin's home in Westport and we were very close friends all through the years. I met her once or twice in the U.S over the years. She was an outstanding person. I will remember her smile and her laugh and her warmth and friendship, My very sincere sympathy to all of her family. May she enjoy her new home in Heaven

Maggie Christian

October 11, 2020

Dearest Betty Ann, your determination, strength, love and faith we’re an inspiration to me. The footprints you left will outlast any tide. My condolences to your loving family. Maggie Christian

Lou Catalano

October 11, 2020

To Elizabeth, Dominique and Kathleen, I offer my deepest condolences. I knew your om as BettyAnn for almost 50 years and cared for and respected her greatly. I know she went through some real hard times in recent years, but she kept up the good fight. I will remember her fondly and keep her and all of you in my thoughts. Cousin Louie.

Carole Mack

October 11, 2020

A woman with the most positive outlook on life I have ever known. To know her was to love her.

Olive Finnegan

October 11, 2020

When I worked in New Jersey for the summer of 1990 Betty Ann welcomed me into her home and treated me like one of her family. She was my dads cousin. His name was Oliver and he was Annie Gavan’s son. When Betty Ann came to Ireland she visited my dad and he was so excited to meet his American cousin. I live in Ireland where Betty Ann’s parents came from. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to all of Betty Ann’s family. As we’d say over here she was a lovely lady. RIP Betty Ann.

From Olive, Eileen, Irene, John and the Finnegan Family in Rathcoole, County Dublin, Ireland. X

Eileen McGing

October 10, 2020

Met her many yrs ago when she was going to Georgian Court & many times after Have picture in our pixtar I loved her she was beautiful in every way I am saddened Eileen

Terry Donahue

October 10, 2020

My deepest condolences to the Gavan Family. Sending Prayers and Loving Kindness

Lynn Chiocchio Heller

October 10, 2020

When she was younger I called her Betty Ann, as her family did. When we reconnected again as new mother's, she was Elizabeth ( although I secretly called her Betty Ann to myself). She had baby Elizabeth then, and I had Andrew - about the same age. We visited often, and she was always so vibrant and fun to be with. I was amazed at her decorating touch. She managed to make her little house look like a movie set. We took our babies for walks through the town and to the beach, and I always looked forward to getting together with her. She was amazing, and I know how deeply her family feels her loss. She was strong, and determined through her illness, and although I didn't see her during those times, I know she was fighting the good fight. R.I.P. Betty Ann.

Terrie Doyle

October 10, 2020

Our Deepest Condolences. Many Blessings To All. Loved going to New Jersey. Fond Memories. Betty Ann was Always So Sweet.

Debbi Rotenberg

October 10, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Maribel Figueroa-Burgos

October 10, 2020

Elizabeth you are resting in a better place full of love and laughter along with your family and friends I’ve known you for a short time but in the short time I’ve known you
I’ve grown to love you as a second mom you showed me strength love kindness like no one else even with all that you’ve been through your heart is made of gold. I loved our talks about God and I will miss you but I am comforted by the fact that you are in Gods loving embrace. No more suffering no more pain. I started to read the book you gave me 90 days and happen and I can see the rush now. I’ve been joyed a great battle Elizabeth and in the end you have won.

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