Sister Elizabeth Gaynor RSM

Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Gaynor, RSM, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at The Meadows Skilled Nursing Center in Dallas.

Born in Philadelphia, Sister Betty was the daughter of Elizabeth Sweeney and James Gaynor. She entered the Sisters of Christian Charity in 1954, and professed her perpetual vows in 1963. In 1980, Sister Betty transferred to the Sisters of Mercy, Diocese of Scranton. Sister Betty dedicated herself to God and service to the people of God in the Church for 72 years.

A graduate of College Misericordia, Sister Betty earned a degree in elementary education. Sister Betty loved teaching the younger grades in the dioceses of Scranton and Trenton, N.J. The children delighted her every day! She was known for her easy laugh, constant smile, and lightheartedness that often manifested in her wonderfully spontaneous dancing. She was a dedicated and passionate teacher until 2016, when she became a volunteer at Mercy Center and began ministering to the elderly. She made that transition seamlessly, bringing her same light and energy to the elderly each day.

While busy serving the needs of others, Sister Betty was very close to her family. She loved to spend time with them whenever possible and later in life loved sharing stories about them. Sister Betty was predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth and James, her sister, Anne (Gaynor) Boyd, and her brothers, Andrew Gaynor, John Gaynor, and Jim Gaynor. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, family friends, and many friends among the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates.

The Sisters of Mercy wish to thank the generous staff at The Meadows, who compassionately cared for Sister Betty in recent months; the dedicated staff at the Sisters Residence, Mercy Center, who faithfully cared for Sister Betty for several years; and the Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff for making her journey Home as comfortable as possible.

The celebration of Sister Betty Gaynor's life will be on Monday, March 2, beginning with Visitation from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Mercy Center, Dallas. Burial will follow immediately after in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming.

Memorial contributions in Sister Betty's name may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, PO Box 370, Dallas, PA 18612, or the charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent at eblakecollins.com.