Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Betty Geehan Obituary
Longtime Tucson resident Betty Geehan died at age 95 May 1, 2022, in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Our mother was a smart, strong-minded, caring person who was passionate about politics, educated voting, travel, the ocean, chocolate and her family. Betty Brown was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Newton High School. She took piano lessons at the Boston Conservatory of Music and played piano much of her life. She went on to Wellesley College where she majored in English composition and earned a Master's degree in English. This is where she met her future husband, Jim Geehan, whom she married in 1949 in Hazardville, Connecticut (always a joke between them!) They moved to Rhode Island where Jim worked for the Providence Journal and Betty taught high school English.
During this time they bought a tent camper, and the family spent many happy years traveling to Canada every summer and one summer across the country and back. When Jim had the opportunity to become the publisher of the San Bernardino Sun, they took a deep breath and moved to Redlands, California, a huge change for two New Englanders! Mom immediately joined the local League of Women Voters and the Assistance League. In 1977, they moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Jim was publisher of the Tucson Citizen. Once again, Mom joined the League and worked extensively on local issues, such as public schools, water rights and voter forums. She believed strongly in Planned Parenthood and volunteered at the Tucson Public Library.
She moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island, in 2018 to be near her children. She is survived by her three children, Barbara Geehan and Jim Geehan of Bristol, Rhode Island, and Janet Hoffman (Ken) of Alamo, California; grandchildren, Andrew Hoffman, Casey Krueger, and five great-grandchildren. Mom had a rapier intelligence, a brilliant smile and a love of books, especially mysteries. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to your local League of Women Voters or Planned Parenthood. Memorial will be in July. Sansone Funeral Home, Bristol, R.I.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty Geehan
1 Entry
Kathryn Snodgrass Tucson AZ
September 18, 2022
I met Betty through mutual friends and always enjoyed her company.
She was such a LOVELY in every way lady.
When she moved to Rode island I had great chats with her on phone
I was wondering about her and found this obituary.
It was a JOY to know her if only for a few years
How you can show support
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Betty Geehan's name
Memorial Events
for Betty Geehan
People and places connected with Betty
Tucson, AZ
Arizona Daily Star
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Betty's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Betty Geehan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
