Elizabeth Gabriel Dignan

On February 5th, Elizabeth Gabriel Austin Dignan a native of The Curragh, County Kildare, Ireland passed away peacefully surrounded by her children after a long and beautiful life. Elizabeth (Lily) was born to the late Eugene Austin and Ann Higgins Austn. Lily was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, nurse, and friend. She is preceded by her husband, Patrick Gregory Dignan, her granddaughter, Kelsey Rose Dignan, and her twelve siblings.
At 17, Lily had the courage, strength, and faith to leave her homeland to cross the Atlantic and begin a new life in New York. She went on to become a nurse using her compassion and deep faith to minister and help countless patients. Lily was the mother of nine children Patrick (Joanne), James (Anne Marie), Ellen (Marc), Brian (Julie Ann), Ann (Richard), Kevin (Patricia), Elizabeth (Glenn), John (Catriona), Donald (Faith). She was blessed with 36 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 50 nieces and nephews.
Upon retirement, Lilly served as a private duty nurse serving the elderly and the dying. She also volunteered at St. Camilla's Nursing Home in Stamford and Waveney in New Canaan. She lived her life as a faithful Catholic. Attending daily mass and praying the rosary were always part of her day. She lived to love the Lord by serving others.
Ironically Lilly's last years were spent at the Inn in New Canaan and Birghtview in Norwalk. She enjoyed the love and care given to her in her final days. She truly appreciated each person who cared for her at the end of her life.
One of Lilly's favorite things was watching Notre Dame football and making Irish soda and stew for her grandchildren.
Our Mom leaves a legacy of grit, grace, and profound love. Mom has taught us that no matter what happens in life, you must always persevere and find the good. After raising her nine children, Lily enjoyed traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and attending weekly mass. Her wit and humor were cherished by all who knew her and her laughter could light up any room. She lived with an untamed zeal and passion – wild and tender as the Irish winds. Her sense of humor was legendary and memorable. Heaven gained the most beautiful angel today, and even with her passing her legacy will live on in every life she touched.
Our family is forever grateful for the tenderness, love and care she received over the years by O'Malley Care. Each care giver was a gift. A special thank you to Bridie O'Malley Duffy for brightening each day with a cheerful smile and caring heart that our Mom loved.
Visitation will be at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk CT, Friday, February 7th from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, february 8th, at 10:00 AM at St Patrick's Church, 7 Pound Ridge Road, Bedford NY. Internment will follow at the Gate of Heaven, Hawthorne, NY.