In Memoriam

Betty Daly McFann
Class of '60

Betty Daly McFann, a member of the Class of 1960, who singlehandedly put our Alumnae Association back on track during her tenure as executive administrator, died suddenly on December 2, 2010, in Beebe Hospital, Lewes, DE, after suffering a stroke. She was 72.

Betty, who retired several years ago from the SJCAA and moved to Millsboro, DE, with her husband Joe, recently assumed responsibilities as secretary for her SJC class. She was born June 3, 1938, in Jamaica, NY, grew up in Baldwin, NY, and spent summers at the family beach home in Greenport, NY. She and Joe were married on Oct. 24, 1959, and shared 51 blessed years together building and nurturing a loving marriage and Christian family.

While living in Connecticut, Betty served as controller of the Acorn Press newspapers, including The Ridgefield Press, in the 1980s and 1990s. She was active at St. Mary’s Parish, where she was a founder of the Carillon, the former parish magazine, and was active in the Adoration Chapel.

She is survived by her husband; five children; 22 grandchildren (17 living); and one great-grandchild. Betty and Joe’s family includes: Mary Ellen McFann--Casey, Joe (Meryn, son Aidan), Caitlin and Andrew; Cathy Markey (Kevin)--Patrick, Alison, Thomas, Sean and Ryan; Mark McFann (Bettina)—Patrick and Natasha; Fran Deacon (Dave)--Nathaniel, John and Sarah; and Kristina Scala (Greg)--Canyon, Sage and Dillon.

Betty is also survived and was loved by extended family and friends from New York to Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. A devout Catholic, she was one of God's dedicated prayer warriors.

Betty was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Augusta Daly; her father, John Joseph Daly; and her sister, Dorothy Ann Lundon. During the latter years of her mother’s life, Betty frequently visited Mrs. Daly at St. Catherine’s Nursing Center, Emmitsburg. After moving to Delaware, Betty wrote to her mother every day and visited as often as she could. Mrs. Daly lived to celebrate her 100 th birthday with her entire family present.

Betty’s funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 6, 2010, at St. Edmond's Church, Rehoboth, DE. In a tribute to Betty’s endless dedication to protect the unborn, her family suggested contributions in her memory to the Respect Life Ministry, St. Edmond’s Parish, P.O. Box 646, Rehoboth, DE 19971.

Here is an article on Betty, originally published in the Winter/Spring 2007 issue of The Valley Echo, which announced her retirement from the SJCAA. View article >>

We extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Joe, the entire McFann family, and Betty’s classmates and good friends from SJC.

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