Elizabeth “Betty” A. Laphen (Fenerty)
July 22, 1943 – October 6, 2022
Elizabeth “Betty” A. (Fenerty) Laphen, 79, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by the love and laughter of her children on Thursday, October 6, 2022, after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Betty was born on July 22, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Raymond B. and Elizabeth A. (Beggin) Fenerty and sister of William J. Fenerty. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in 1961, got engaged a year later and married the love of her life, the late Patrick J. Laphen, Jr. on October 3, 1964. They began their married life in Philadelphia, where they were blessed with three children. They moved to Hornell, NY in 1980 where Betty devoted herself to her children and community. In 1984 she returned to Pennsylvania and made Lansdale her home for the next 38 years. Throughout those years, Betty re-entered the workforce and watched her family grow as her children married and blessed her with grandchildren. It was the love of family that drove her. All that met her were captivated by her infectious smile and friendly nature. She was welcoming to all, and everyone was treated like family. Betty will always be remembered for her devotion to her faith, children, and grandchildren, and her own special ‘words of wisdom’.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Colleen E. Lawson (Christopher W.) of Lansdale, Marybeth Baxter (Paul J.) of Lansdale, Patrick R. Laphen, Sr (Therese M.) of Media; grandchildren, Mary C. Tomassetti, Caitlin E. Lawson, Patrick R. Laphen, Jr, Peter J. Laphen, Annalisa R. Laphen, Therese C. Laphen; Declan J. Baxter; brother William J. Fenerty, Sr.; brother-in-law, James A. Laphen (Irene); sister-in-life, Jeanette Gorman (Michael), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends may call from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, 532 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 and 10:00am – 11:00am, Friday, October 14, 2022, at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am. Interment will be at St. John Neumann Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth’s family would appreciate donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
Thinking of all you and sending loving thoughts. What a beautiful life story you shared. She’s smiling down from heaven and now watching over her beautiful family and her legacy.
Pat, Terese, and family,
Please accept our condolences on your mother. Sounds like she was a perfect angel to her family and all that knew her. May her wisdom, love and example remain with you forever. Prayers and hugs
I cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed Betty’s friendship. My mind swims with fond remembrances of our time together. We laughed until we cried more than once. Thank you Betty!
A beautiful lady and great friend. Always a smile and positive thoughts. We are fortunate to have her as a friend and to have the Laphen family as friends. Our families had a lot in common and Marcia and Betty were close friends. I can still hear her laugh. Love to all
Betty was so fill of love and hospitality and a generous heart which you felt when you were in her presence. A beautiful Mother and mom mom . We enjoyed many good times together. 🙏❤️