Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" O'Connor, 71, of Danbury, died peacefully June 5, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on August 15, 1946, in the Bronx, N.Y., daughter of Robert and Dorothy Will, where she enjoyed her childhood with her little sister, Nancy.

Her three loving daughters and their spouses, Patricia and David Macartney of Sandy Hook, Jenny and Chris Yake of Danbury, and Dorothy and Tom Frizzell of Danbury, survive her.

She was the widow of her only love, her late husband, Ken O'Connor, to whom she wed in 1970.

Mrs O'Connor graduated with a degree in nursing from Hunter College and later got her Master's Degree from Western Connecticut State University, while raising her girls in Ridgefield. Mrs O'Connor's love for her family was closely rivaled by her love of her many terriers throughout the years.

Her family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Masonicare Home Hospice; her nurse, Susan; aides, Sylvian and Margaret; and her caregivers, Claudine and Heather, who all helped to allow Mrs O'Connor to spend her final years in the comfort of her home.

A memorial gathering will be Saturday, June 9, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks loved ones to donate to their favorite local animal rescue.