Obituary of Elizabeth J. Dyer

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Dyer went home to God and her family before her on April 5, 2021. Betty was born August 27, 1939 in North Cambridge, MA to Patrick J. and Julia (O’Connell) Gallagher. She was the youngest of five children, and attended high school at North Cambridge High, MA. Both of Betty’s parents were born in Ireland and emigrated to the US at the turn of the 20th Century, and she was very proud to be a first generation Irish-American. Her love of the Red Sox was contagious and spread to her daughter and grandchildren who enjoyed watching games on TV whenever possible. She enjoyed going to games throughout her life and always rooted for them through the years. Betty was united in marriage with William (Bob) Dyer at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, North Cambridge, MA on November 4, 1967. They were blessed with two children, Robert P. Dyer and Kathleen (Dyer) Gates. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and loved traveling, visiting family, and returning to Cambridge, MA on holidays and whenever possible. The holidays with her family were boisterous and filled with laughter and Irish banter, memories and much love. Betty loved the ocean and visiting the Cape in Massachusetts, Brant Rock, Hampton Beach, NH as some of her favorite destinations, although a beach of any sort was a happy place for her, especially if surrounded by her family and friends. Her family will miss taking long, brisk walks at the ocean without her. She worked for Liberty Mutual in Boston, MA from 1957 until she married Bob in 1967, and moved to Rome NY to begin a new life and closer to her sister, Catherine. She also worked for a time at Oneida County Savings bank and later on, The United Way of Rome. Betty also worked for many years at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Rome, NY as the Secretary for the Director of Religious Education, Sr. Marie Wilson, her dear friend. St. Paul’s was where she felt her strong connection to her Catholic faith and deeply supportive community, friends and acquaintances. She leaves many dear friends from their time spent in Winter Haven, Florida, as well, a happy time after Bob’s retirement from Griffiss Air Force Base. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her sisters Catherine LaForge (Edward), Mary Longval (Leo), Margaret Kelley (William), and brother, Francis Gallagher (Dorthea). Their children, her neices and nephews were very special to her. Her love for her many neices and nephews will carry on in her passing. "Auntie Betty" was always someone they turned to and she in turn supported them when they needed her over the years. Betty is survived by her loving husband, Bob (William), her son, Robert Dyer of Dolgeville, NY and his wife (Barbara) and her daughter, Kathleen Gates (Steve) of South Glens Falls, NY. She shared many years of sweet memories with her grandchildren, Patrick Dyer and Alexis Pennington (Dan), Evan, Keira and Eric Gates, step-grandchildren Becca Roswell (Colin Hart), AJ Roswell (Emily), and several great-grandchildren, Keonie, David, Maxine, Willow & Waylon. Betty held a special fondness for her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Dyer of Little Falls, NY from her marriage to Robert. Her generosity was felt by many, always taking time to help friends and family and her community in need. Please consider a donation in Betty's memory to St. Paul's Cathlolic Church in Rome or a charity of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 10th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1807 Bedford St., Rome. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, on Friday, April 9th, from 4-6:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home at one time, everyone must wear a face covering upon entering and proper social distancing protocols must be adhered to once inside.