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