Gertrude Elizabeth Gavin (née Gilmartin), fondly known as “Betty,” a native of Drumfad and Derrylehan, Grange, Co. Sligo, and former resident of Chicago, Illinois, USA, passed away peacefully on the 16th of March, 2026, in the gentle, loving arms of her daughters.
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. Dearest daughter of the late John Thomas and Teresa (née McGarraghy) Gilmartin of Drumfad, Rathfrask and Derrylehan.
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, the 8th of April, 2026, at 7p.m. The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, the 9th of April, at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow on Friday, the 10th of April, at 11:30 a.m. in the adjoining cemetery of St. Mary’s Church, Drummin, Westport, Co. Mayo (F28 CX84), where she will, at last, be reunited with her beloved Ted. The hearse will depart promptly outside the church in Grange at 8:45 a.m. that morning to travel to Westport, Co. Mayo. A mass of remembrance for friends and neighbours will be offered in Evergreen Park, Illinois, in August. For an invitation, please email: [email protected].