Bettyrene (Johnston) O'Connor

Bettyrene O'Connor age 69 passed away on July 4, 2022. She was born in Philadelphia as Elizabeth Irene Johnston and was the proud daughter of the late Daniel and Dorothy (nee McDonough) Johnston. She legally changed her name to Bettyrene over twenty years ago, still honoring her Aunt Betty, who she was named after, but making it more unique.. Bettyrene attended Blessed Virgin Mary (aka BVM) Catholic Elementary School in Darby, PA, with nuns as teachers through all eight grades. She graduated from Darby Colwyn High School Class of 1970 also in Darby, PA. She attended Immaculata University and received Bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Psychology. She served in the U.S. Air Force from February 1972 to February 1976 as a Veterinary Technician attaining the rank of sergeant.  She loved animals, especially horses, cats and dogs, and thought about becoming a Veterinarian for a short time. She eventually worked as an administrator for a senior director at Verizon FIOS Division for many years. She loved sports, especially softball and played women's softball for several years. She also enjoyed kayaking, hiking and just being outdoors.

Bettyrene is survived by her loving husband Michael J. O'Connor. Devoted mother to her three sons: Sean O'Connor (Kristen), Adam O'Connor (Kelsey) and Mark  O'Connor (Jennifer). A loving grandmother to  KC,  Mia and Zoe. Sister of  Daniel McDonough, Karen Moore,  Diane Snow and the late Michael Johnston and Dennis Johnston. Also survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Sadly, in 2009 Bettyrene was in a horrific car accident being rear ended, and thankfully surviving the collision, but all was not well.  She lost all cognitive reasoning and went onto full disability for several years. In 2011 she started to develop the symptoms of Alzheimer Dementia, and the disease progressed over the next several years, with her husband Michael taking care of her at home. In February 2022 she was admitted to the Pennsylvania Southeastern Veteran's Center in Spring City, PA. She received extremely good care until her passing on the 4th of July. She always wanted to go out with a bang!!

Her husband Michael wrote, "Bettyrene was one of the most kind, humble, patient, unselfish and understanding woman I have ever known. She lived her life with the utmost character, integrity, love and kindness. She was my best friend, close advisor and greatest supporter. In the end, death is a journey that we all have to take. I want to thank you Bettyrene for being in my life. It was an honor to have known and shared time with you on this earth. Jesus always said to have faith, hope and love, and Bettyrene practiced these principles her whole life. May God bless you and may you rest in peace".

Services are private.