Obituary for Elizabeth M. "Betty" Horan (Horvath)
Elizabeth "Betty" M. (Horvath) Horan passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 after a long life and reaching the age of 101yrs. She is the widow of Edward B. Horan of Hartford, CT (Horan's Florists Family). She went peacefully in her sleep and without suffering any major illnesses, a blessing in itself. Betty, as she was best known, was born and raised in Torrington, Connecticut, daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Kiepeicz) Horvath. She was one of 12 children, four of whom died in early infancy/childhood.
Elizabeth attended catholic school in Torrington but left school around 6th grade to help with family finances. Her early working career began as a domestic for a couple prominent families in the Torrington area. Afterwards she moved to Hartford where she worked in local factories, Royal Typewriter for one, where she met her future husband. Her working career continued in the factories and in restaurants for her brother in law at Navin's Canteen in East Hartford and her last position at Pratt and Whitney where she retired at the age of 73. Because mom never finished school her one wish for her children was for all of us to finish school and go on to higher education. In addition, she would emphasize this to her grandchildren all the time.
When her husband died, Elizabeth was left to raise four children. She had to learn how to drive again and find a job to support her family. Her work ethic is what provided her the strength she needed to carry on. That work ethic has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. We are grateful for the love and caring she gave us and for the wonderful memories, which we will cherish.
After retirement, she enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and taking them to miniature golf locations or to the park. She was so into watching the pro golfers play on television that she decided to take up the game herself. So in her early 60s we bought her a set of clubs and she was off and running…golfing!
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband Edward, sons William J. (Marie) Horvath, Jerome Horan, and her grandson Anthony M. Pignotti, III. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph (Hattie) Horvath, Helen Kosa, Alador Horvath, twin sister Mary (Tom) Navin, Frances (Sal) Boccio and (Ottilia) Terry Reale and Ella (Ed) Jageilski.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Karen (James) McWalter of Vernon, Edward (Eden) Horan of Torrington, Andrea Horan of North Carolina and stepson Roger (Gail) Horan of Vernon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan (Amanda) McWalter of WI, Christopher Pignotti of North Carolina, Samantha (Jermaine) Hudson of Delaware and Carrie (Dan) Cowles of Mansfield and Gregg Horan of Ellington. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Jackson, Mattingly, Delaney, Leo, Sameris, Simone, Ruby, Silas and Glenn and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.
When asked of her longevity, she would attribute it to eating lots of garlic, her vegetables and golden raisins soaked in gin. And the occasional glass of wine or Bud Light never hurt either!
The family would like to extend their thanks to Christina Drury who was mom's caregiver for the past two and half years. Her caring and kindness towards mom is truly appreciated. We wish to thank Dr. Richard Orris for his guidance and care of mom during the past two years. To the staff of Manchester Memorial Hospital for their care of mom during her recent stay and the staff at Rockville General Hospital and Vernon Manor, our sincere thanks to all involved in mom's care.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT 06066. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Rd., South Windsor, CT 06074. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to the following organizations; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105; Cornerstone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2036, Rockville, CT 06066; or to a charity of choice.
Elizabeth attended catholic school in Torrington but left school around 6th grade to help with family finances. Her early working career began as a domestic for a couple prominent families in the Torrington area. Afterwards she moved to Hartford where she worked in local factories, Royal Typewriter for one, where she met her future husband. Her working career continued in the factories and in restaurants for her brother in law at Navin's Canteen in East Hartford and her last position at Pratt and Whitney where she retired at the age of 73. Because mom never finished school her one wish for her children was for all of us to finish school and go on to higher education. In addition, she would emphasize this to her grandchildren all the time.
When her husband died, Elizabeth was left to raise four children. She had to learn how to drive again and find a job to support her family. Her work ethic is what provided her the strength she needed to carry on. That work ethic has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. We are grateful for the love and caring she gave us and for the wonderful memories, which we will cherish.
After retirement, she enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and taking them to miniature golf locations or to the park. She was so into watching the pro golfers play on television that she decided to take up the game herself. So in her early 60s we bought her a set of clubs and she was off and running…golfing!
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband Edward, sons William J. (Marie) Horvath, Jerome Horan, and her grandson Anthony M. Pignotti, III. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph (Hattie) Horvath, Helen Kosa, Alador Horvath, twin sister Mary (Tom) Navin, Frances (Sal) Boccio and (Ottilia) Terry Reale and Ella (Ed) Jageilski.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Karen (James) McWalter of Vernon, Edward (Eden) Horan of Torrington, Andrea Horan of North Carolina and stepson Roger (Gail) Horan of Vernon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jonathan (Amanda) McWalter of WI, Christopher Pignotti of North Carolina, Samantha (Jermaine) Hudson of Delaware and Carrie (Dan) Cowles of Mansfield and Gregg Horan of Ellington. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Jackson, Mattingly, Delaney, Leo, Sameris, Simone, Ruby, Silas and Glenn and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.
When asked of her longevity, she would attribute it to eating lots of garlic, her vegetables and golden raisins soaked in gin. And the occasional glass of wine or Bud Light never hurt either!
The family would like to extend their thanks to Christina Drury who was mom's caregiver for the past two and half years. Her caring and kindness towards mom is truly appreciated. We wish to thank Dr. Richard Orris for his guidance and care of mom during the past two years. To the staff of Manchester Memorial Hospital for their care of mom during her recent stay and the staff at Rockville General Hospital and Vernon Manor, our sincere thanks to all involved in mom's care.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT 06066. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Rd., South Windsor, CT 06074. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to the following organizations; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105; Cornerstone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2036, Rockville, CT 06066; or to a charity of choice.