Elizabeth Walsh

If there’s a dance floor somewhere in heaven, Betty has already found it, fixed the lighting, corrected the DJ, and claimed her spot while dancing the night away. She left this world the way she lived: unapologetically herself. She loved a good time, warm sunshine on her face, Irish music loud enough to feel, and a funny story that somehow improved with every retelling.

Betty’s journey began in the tight knit neighborhood of Savin Hill in Dorchester. Always so proud to tell everyone that she attended 12 years of Catholic school, graduating from Cathedral High School. Her fondest memories as a teen were performing in the legendary St. William’s band, as well as swimming at Savin Hill beach and hanging out with her friends at the tennis courts and at the Cape.

Betty took many career paths including nursing, entrepreneurship, and property management, often telling people that she was a “Jacqueline of all trades.”

Life gave her many chapters, and she met each one head-on. A single mother with grit and no patience for nonsense, she built her world the hard way. Fiercely protective and deeply loyal, her children were her heart walking around outside her body, and heaven help anyone who forgot it. Betty loved all her family, especially during the Christmas gatherings. Playing cards with and giving advice to her family was a highlight for her.

Being the daughter of Mary Bridget, one tough Irish lass, Betty was just as strong, never shying away from challenges. Yet, her strength was balanced with a kind and loving heart. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and counted every penny. Her legacy lives on in the phrase “I’m fine.” Betty loved her sense of independence, setting an example for all her girls to follow. Having strong opinions, you knew where she stood on all the issues but mostly the political ones. She had that dark Irish humor that arrived at exactly the wrong moment and somehow made it right.

Keeping her memory dear in our hearts are her children, Stephanie Sinkus (#1 son-in-law Johnny) and Christopher Fall (wife Debbie.) her granddaughters, Rose Elizabeth Sinkus and Juliet Sinkus who carry her strength, her smile, and that unmistakable Dorchester edge. Betty is also survived by her sister Maureen McDonnell (husband Leo) brother Lawrence Costello (wife Mary) and her BFF of 70 years Kathleen Frost, “her Thelma to mom’s Louise.” She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including Tony Mogauro. Betty also wanted to acknowledge her former husbands, Arthur Walsh and the late Francis “Junie” Fall (the dead to me one!) Betty took peace in her final days knowing her deceased parents, Mary and Lawrence Costello, her Nana Gert, and her siblings, Anna, David and Paul were waiting at Heaven’s gate to welcome her with open arms.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on March 8th from 4-7pm in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy. All other services shall be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org. In her honor, find some sunshine, tell a funny story, and if there’s music playing, get up. She would.