Betsy Noonan 73, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 after a long illness.

Betsy was born in Providence Rhode Island, on July 23, 1947 to the late Elizabeth A. (Reynolds) Noonan and Martin F. Noonan. Betsy is survived by her sister Mary (Kathy) Noonan of Shutesbury.

Betsy attended the University of Rhode Island where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and continue her education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst earning her Master’s in Science and Doctorate in Education.

She began a lifelong career in human services in 1970 working at the Belchertown State School.  In 1981 Betsy left the school to work in the community where she played a pivotal role in building the current Department of Developmental Service’s Community System. Betsy’s ability to problem solve made her the “go to” person.  Her vision, creativity and love of a challenge ranked her a cut above the rest.  She was recognized by the State of Massachusetts in 2001 as a recipient of the prestigious Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service. This is the Commonwealth’s highest honor for Executive Department employees.

When it came to her friends there was no one more loyal or more willing to help. Her sense of humor, distinct laugh and hospitality were well known. Betsy loved her home in Shutesbury, enjoying her pool, her dogs, woodworking and gardening. There was probably no better place on earth for Betsy than home.  Summer was her favorite time of year having neighbors and friends over for a swim, a barbecue, some cold beers and a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.

Betsy will be deeply missed by her sister Kathy, her cousins Ellen Kelley of Montclair New Jersey and Mary Baron of Jacksonville Florida. Friends: Judy and Gerry Pfeffer, Jane and George Tarring, Nancy Geraghty, Marty and Ken Markum, Jim and Kathy Carey, Mary Ann Brennen, Doug McCallum, Al and Barbara Wilbur, Rita Farrel and Michael Broad. A special thanks to Brenda Roberts, Ed Murphy and Charles Sewall. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 122 North Pleasant St. Amherst. MA, at 10AM on Monday, April 5, 2021.  A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a future date. Donations can be made to either the Shutesbury Firefighters Assoc. PO Box 295 Shutesbury MA 01072 or the Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA  01101.