Celebrating the life of
Elizabeth Betty Gaffney Purdy
October 20, 1924 - August 12, 2012
Elizabeth Betty Gaffney Purdy died suddenly, August 12, 2012 at Spanish Oaks Retreat.
Born October 20, 1924 in Buffalo, New York, she met her husband through a Catholic newspaper pen pal correspondence and they were married April 20, 1944. After the war and after her husband graduated from Georgia Tech in 1950, she moved to Savannah and became a "native" Savannahian.
She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She began working for the Catholic Diocese of Savannah in the late 1950's and retired in December of 2008, after almost 50 years of service including Camp Villa Marie, Saint John Vianney Minor Seminary, the Department of Christian Formation at St. John's Center, and finally at the Catholic Pastoral Center.
Betty received the Bishop Gartland Award for her service to the Diocese, and upon her retirement she received the Papal Award "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" for her service to the Diocese and the Catholic Church. She was active for years in the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and was the treasurer for many years for St. Mary's Home Guild. She was a lector and Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church and sang in the Savannah Deanery Choir.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Anthony B. Bernie Purdy, Sr.; her son Anthony B. Toby Purdy, Jr. Irene; her daughters, Barbara Ann Purdy Lutz Richard and Margaret Mary Purdy Flinchum of Vero Beach, FL; her grandchildren who loved their "Nama", Maureen Lutz Morin Kevin, Richard Charles Lutz, Jr. Ann, Patricia Lutz Morris Jesse, Christine Lutz Garrett Michael, Mary McIntire Davenport Gib, Emily Peranna Handley, Vero Beach and her sixteen great-grandchildren, Mallory, Lindsay Katherine, Meghan, Kristin, and Andrew Morin, Kira Glasser, Kaelan, Rachael and Ashton Lutz, Joseph and Matthew Morris, Abbigail and Jacob Garrett, Huntley and Sophie Davenport and Andrew Leslie, Vero Beach, FL.
Pallbearers will be Richard C. Lutz, Jr., Kevin R. Morin, Jesse E. Morris, Michael R. Garrett, Walter C. Corish, Jr., Dr. Robert W. Grant, Thomas Robertson and Paul Snedeker.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 15, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church.
The Funeral Mass will be Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with burial following at Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Blessed Sacrament School Foundation, 1003 E. Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31405, The Carmelites Mission, 11 W. Back St., Savannah, GA 31419, The Social Apostolate, 502 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31401 or Spanish Oaks Retreat, 8410 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mrs. Purdy's passing. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of her. Please know that the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Susan Wexler Darling, Savannah, GA
Michael and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Purdy. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Kathleen Mahoney Taylor, Savannah, GA
Dear Lutz and Purdy families. Ms. Purdy was one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever known. I addressed her as beautiful and she called me love as she did many people. She was also a warm and caring person. Heaven has truly been Blessed with an Angel!! She will be missed by many. Countless lives have been touched and made better by her. My prayers and love are with you today and always. Sincerely, Kevin Sheehan
- Kevin Sheehan, Savannah, GA
Saying goodbye today to a gracious and kind lady. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed. -The Grant Family
- The Grant Family, Savannah, GA
Toby, Irene and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May her Memory be Eternal. Ben & Cathy Berry
- Cathy & Ben Berry, Savannah, GA
I have so often thought about the wonderful adult men and women who faithfully served Blessed Sacrament Parish during my childhood. Their love of God and devotion to the Church and to Jesus' call to love and serve one another left a deep and abiding impression on me. Mrs. Elizabeth Purdy was one of the adults that was always present, in body and faith. I give thanks for her sweet and enduring ministry of love and service. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and to all those who feel her loss so deeply.
- Susan S. Tillman, Edisto Island, SC
As someone has already written, 'Mrs. Purdy was the most loving person I knew.' When I knew her at St. John's Seminary on the Isle of Hope, I was deeply impressed by her unusual combination of extraordinary qualities. Unfailingly kind, generous, energetic, dedicated, wise, consoling, humorous, caring ... the list goes on and on, so that in the end 'loving' is the word that sums it all up. At St. John's, she was the same wonderful person at all times and in every situation. She was distinguished by her deeds, and she always had the right words. My heart goes out to her husband, her children, and her other relatives and friends at this time of loss. I know that we all give thanks for her many years of love and devoted friendship, and for the great privilege of meeting her and getting to know her. Her reward will be great. She is one of those who take a seat at the end of the banquet table and are invited to 'come up higher.'
- Norbert Lain, Belmont, MA
Dear Uncle Bernie, Barbara: I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Aunt Betty. I wanted to reach out and let you know I’m thinking of You and and Uncle Bernie.and the Rest of the Family..Please Pass along my sincere condolences to the Family. I know she had such a lasting impact on all who knew her. I haven’t seen her in years myself, yet remember my time with her so fondly. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope and pray that your memories of her will bring you consolation and, eventually, peace. Aunt Betty is now Home With God and her MotherGrandma And SisterMary. Love You All, God bless Mike
- Michael Dale, Buffalo, NY
Prayers and sympathy to the Purdy family on the death of Betty.A wonderful friend to all the priests of the Diocese.May she rest in peace.
- Fr..Dan O'Connell, Valdosta, GA
On behalf of myself and SCMG family, we extend our condolences to Barbara and family. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
- Angela Curry, Savanna, GA
Mrs Purdy was the most loving person I knew. She always looked out for Tom and I as we grew up and always had kind encouraging words. May you rest in peace and now be with my Parents, Dot and Edgar. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. She will be deeply missed and her footprints have left lasting positive impressions and memories for all of those she touched in her lifetime !!!
- Ginny Robertson Rollins, Roy, UT
To Toby and family our condolances and prayers.
- Mariano Herrera, Savannah, GA
Toby: Sorry for yor loss. Betty and I offer our deepest Condolences and prayers. Ron Gordy
- Ron Gordy, Savannah, GA
Toby and Irene, our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this trying time - I can only imagine what you are going through. Just know that you have a Father in Heaven to comfort and sustain you - and that your mother is resting and joining with the Angels in singing their praises to God. Dan and Lisa Carter
- Dan Carter, Savannah, GA
I have such fond memories of Aunt Betty on our annual trips to Savannah to visit Grandmother and Granddaddy. She was always so kind and gracious to all of us. A very fine lady and I know she will be missed. She made a difference in my world.
- Mary Purdy Bohling, Cincinnati, OH
I will always think of Aunt Betty as the true southern lady - genteel and gracious to all that she knew. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.
- Patty Rosenberg, Talking Rock, GA
Toby/Irene and Family, It was with sad news that you made us aware of Mrs Purdy's death. I personnally have loving thoughts of her when we visited Savannah and had the opportunity to be with the Purdy Family on many happy occassions. She welcomed us as one of her own and shared her love with all of the Miltiades family. We will always remember those fond memories. She was an inspiration for all and a very respected devoted Christian to her faith. Please know that she is resting now in a better place. May Her Memory Be Eternal
- Demetri and Penny Miltiades, Kennesaw, GA
My God Bless
- Andy Webb, Swainsboro, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, Betty was such a dear, loving and wonderful soul. Only God knows the many great things she did for so many people. May she now rest in his loving arms. Love and prayers for you all.
- Ann Pinckney, Savannah, GA
Our condolence to the Purdy Family. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Purdy at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Cleveland, GA. A Mass card with a date will be sent to you. Blessings and prayers, Emily and Joseph Glover Sautee, GA
- Emily and Joe Glover, Sautee, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news.Betty is truly an institution and also an inspiration to generations.No one has served more faithfully than her and she will be missed,but never replaced.The love you expressed for each other and all of your family members is an example for all to follow.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news.Betty is truly an institution and also an inspiration to generations.No one has served more faithfully than her and she will be missed,but never replaced.The love you expressed for each other and all of your family members is an example for all to follow.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
To Berni and family my condolances and prayers.
- Msgr Costigan, Savannah, GA
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mrs. Purdy's passing. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of her. Please know that the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Susan Wexler Darling, Savannah, GA
Michael and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Purdy. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Kathleen Mahoney Taylor, Savannah, GA
Dear Lutz and Purdy families. Ms. Purdy was one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever known. I addressed her as beautiful and she called me love as she did many people. She was also a warm and caring person. Heaven has truly been Blessed with an Angel!! She will be missed by many. Countless lives have been touched and made better by her. My prayers and love are with you today and always. Sincerely, Kevin Sheehan
- Kevin Sheehan, Savannah, GA
Saying goodbye today to a gracious and kind lady. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed. -The Grant Family
- The Grant Family, Savannah, GA
Toby, Irene and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May her Memory be Eternal. Ben & Cathy Berry
- Cathy & Ben Berry, Savannah, GA
I have so often thought about the wonderful adult men and women who faithfully served Blessed Sacrament Parish during my childhood. Their love of God and devotion to the Church and to Jesus' call to love and serve one another left a deep and abiding impression on me. Mrs. Elizabeth Purdy was one of the adults that was always present, in body and faith. I give thanks for her sweet and enduring ministry of love and service. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and to all those who feel her loss so deeply.
- Susan S. Tillman, Edisto Island, SC
As someone has already written, 'Mrs. Purdy was the most loving person I knew.' When I knew her at St. John's Seminary on the Isle of Hope, I was deeply impressed by her unusual combination of extraordinary qualities. Unfailingly kind, generous, energetic, dedicated, wise, consoling, humorous, caring ... the list goes on and on, so that in the end 'loving' is the word that sums it all up. At St. John's, she was the same wonderful person at all times and in every situation. She was distinguished by her deeds, and she always had the right words. My heart goes out to her husband, her children, and her other relatives and friends at this time of loss. I know that we all give thanks for her many years of love and devoted friendship, and for the great privilege of meeting her and getting to know her. Her reward will be great. She is one of those who take a seat at the end of the banquet table and are invited to 'come up higher.'
- Norbert Lain, Belmont, MA
Dear Uncle Bernie, Barbara: I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Aunt Betty. I wanted to reach out and let you know I’m thinking of You and and Uncle Bernie.and the Rest of the Family..Please Pass along my sincere condolences to the Family. I know she had such a lasting impact on all who knew her. I haven’t seen her in years myself, yet remember my time with her so fondly. Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope and pray that your memories of her will bring you consolation and, eventually, peace. Aunt Betty is now Home With God and her MotherGrandma And SisterMary. Love You All, God bless Mike
- Michael Dale, Buffalo, NY
Prayers and sympathy to the Purdy family on the death of Betty.A wonderful friend to all the priests of the Diocese.May she rest in peace.
- Fr..Dan O'Connell, Valdosta, GA
On behalf of myself and SCMG family, we extend our condolences to Barbara and family. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
- Angela Curry, Savanna, GA
Mrs Purdy was the most loving person I knew. She always looked out for Tom and I as we grew up and always had kind encouraging words. May you rest in peace and now be with my Parents, Dot and Edgar. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. She will be deeply missed and her footprints have left lasting positive impressions and memories for all of those she touched in her lifetime !!!
- Ginny Robertson Rollins, Roy, UT
To Toby and family our condolances and prayers.
- Mariano Herrera, Savannah, GA
Toby: Sorry for yor loss. Betty and I offer our deepest Condolences and prayers. Ron Gordy
- Ron Gordy, Savannah, GA
Toby and Irene, our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this trying time - I can only imagine what you are going through. Just know that you have a Father in Heaven to comfort and sustain you - and that your mother is resting and joining with the Angels in singing their praises to God. Dan and Lisa Carter
- Dan Carter, Savannah, GA
I have such fond memories of Aunt Betty on our annual trips to Savannah to visit Grandmother and Granddaddy. She was always so kind and gracious to all of us. A very fine lady and I know she will be missed. She made a difference in my world.
- Mary Purdy Bohling, Cincinnati, OH
I will always think of Aunt Betty as the true southern lady - genteel and gracious to all that she knew. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.
- Patty Rosenberg, Talking Rock, GA
Toby/Irene and Family, It was with sad news that you made us aware of Mrs Purdy's death. I personnally have loving thoughts of her when we visited Savannah and had the opportunity to be with the Purdy Family on many happy occassions. She welcomed us as one of her own and shared her love with all of the Miltiades family. We will always remember those fond memories. She was an inspiration for all and a very respected devoted Christian to her faith. Please know that she is resting now in a better place. May Her Memory Be Eternal
- Demetri and Penny Miltiades, Kennesaw, GA
My God Bless
- Andy Webb, Swainsboro, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, Betty was such a dear, loving and wonderful soul. Only God knows the many great things she did for so many people. May she now rest in his loving arms. Love and prayers for you all.
- Ann Pinckney, Savannah, GA
Our condolence to the Purdy Family. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Purdy at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Cleveland, GA. A Mass card with a date will be sent to you. Blessings and prayers, Emily and Joseph Glover Sautee, GA
- Emily and Joe Glover, Sautee, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news.Betty is truly an institution and also an inspiration to generations.No one has served more faithfully than her and she will be missed,but never replaced.The love you expressed for each other and all of your family members is an example for all to follow.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Bernie and Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news.Betty is truly an institution and also an inspiration to generations.No one has served more faithfully than her and she will be missed,but never replaced.The love you expressed for each other and all of your family members is an example for all to follow.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
To Berni and family my condolances and prayers.
- Msgr Costigan, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
