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Elizabeth Doyle

Elizabeth Evangeline “Betty” Hinchey Doyle, age 95, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2024. She was born in Branford on Feb. 3, 1929, and was the daughter of the late William S. and Elizabeth Rubinsky Hinchey.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, John Richard Doyle, and her brother, William J. Hinchey. Betty is survived by her children: John R. (Betsy) Doyle Jr. of San Francisco, California; Elizabeth (John) Cristiano of Soldotna, Alaska; Melissa Doyle (Michael McCaffrey) of Boston, and Mary (Jim) Donovan of Wallingford; grandchildren, Elizabeth Cristiano, Carrick (Caroline) Cristiano, Hannah Cristiano, and Ava Donovan; and great-grandchildren, Evangeline Lloyd and Elle Cristiano; as well as many wonderful and loving nieces and nephews.

Betty (some real old timers knew her as “Diddy”) was one of the last witnesses of old Branford when there were still the occasional horse and wagon. She saw trolleys give way to buses and cars, and roads grow from country lanes to I-95. She was a lifelong resident of Branford, like her father and his parents. A graduate of Branford High School, Class of 1946, she kept in close contact with her school friends throughout her lifetime. Weekly bridge games were a constant, as was her dedication to anything involving needle and thread. Be it crewel work, quilting, needlepoint, embroidery, or dressmaking, she did it all, and many of her pieces are still in use. If the sun was shining, she would usually be down at Branford Point soaking it in. On a cloudy day, maybe, she’d sneak off to the casino or a fabric shop.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend. Betty will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Regency House in Wallingford for making her final years warm and comfortable.

Family and friends visited on Feb. 10 at W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Bosco Parish in St. Therese Church, Branford. Burial was private. For directions and online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of Blackstone Library www.blackstonelibrary.org/friends/ or the Branford Historical Society www.branfordhistoricalsociety.org.