Drumfad and Derrylehan, Grange, Co. Sligo, and formerly of Chicago, Illinois, USA, passed away peacefully on the 16th of March, 2026, in the gentle, loving arms of her daughters.
Dearest daughter of the late John Thomas and Teresa (née McGarraghy) Gilmartin of Drumfad, Rathfrask and Derrylehan.
Beloved and utterly devoted wife of the late Thady Gavin, better known as “Ted” or “Chris,” with whom she shared 63 incredibly happy years of marriage. Cherished and adoring mother of Maura, Elizabeth Baumgart (Thomas), and Patrick Joseph (Mary Therese Seroczynski). Proud and loving Nana of Dr. Gavin and Andrew Baumgart.
Betty was raised on the family farm and enjoyed an idyllic childhood with two truly wonderful, hardworking parents, a multitude of siblings, good, kind neighbours, and some real characters, whom she very fondly remembered all her days. Though she trained and worked in England, lived in Chicago, and travelled widely, a very large part of her heart and soul always remained in Ireland, a connection that only deepened with each passing year. She was the ninth of twelve children and the last of eight sisters. She is survived by two of her four brothers, residing in Palos Heights, IL and Co. Sligo, and by her dear sister-in-law, Mary Flannery (widow of the late Thomas), of Birmingham, UK, and Westport, Co. Mayo; and is predeceased by her very dearest brother, Paddy Gilmartin of Derrylehan, Grange, her sister-in-law, Agnes Connolly (the late Patrick) of Wellington, New Zealand, and her brother-in-law, Joe, of Drummin, Westport, Co. Mayo, all of whom she loved deeply. She will be fondly remembered by her loving nephews and nieces in Wisconsin, Australia and New Zealand.
Betty is also affectionately remembered by many, many truly wonderful neighbours, friends, cousins and deeply caring, kind-hearted medical professionals in the Chicago area, Ireland and South Africa.
Betty Gilmartin Gavin will be laid to rest in her adored Ireland.
Her funeral will be celebrated “at home” in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange, Co. Sligo F91 CC85, where her remains will be welcomed into the Church with prayers on Wednesday, 8th April, 2026, at 7 o’clock
The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, 9th April, at 12 noon in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange, Co. Sligo
Burial Friday – Cortage will depart Grange Church at 8.45 a.m. and travel to cemetery adjoining to St. Mary’s Church, Drummin, Westport, Co. Mayo for Burial at 11:30 a.m. where she will, at last, be reunited with her beloved Ted.
A Mass of remembrance for friends and neighbours will be offered in Evergreen Park, Illinois, in August. For an invitation, please email: mrsbettygavin@gmail.com.
