Elizabeth “Bette” Gorman

Bette Gorman, 92 entered into rest on Christmas Eve 2014 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and William Moriarty; sister, Margaret Sandwick, brothers, William, Thomas and Richard Moriarty, sisters-in-law, Marion Moriarty, Mary Ann Moriarty, Grace Gorman; brothers-in-law, Louis and Joseph Gorman, James Sandwick. Survived by her husband of almost 73 years, John T. Gorman; sons, L. Richard Gorman (Geraldine) and W. Bruce Gorman (Joseph Nardone); daughter, Margaret Mary Gorman-Gagliardi (David Gagliardi); grandchildren, Heather Anne Fish and John David Fish (Tracey); great-grandchildren, Justin, Cameron, Spencer, Cooper, Melissa; beloved sisters-in-law, Margaret Moriarty, Ruth Gorman; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews from the ever-expanding Gorman-Moriarty Irish families. Bette was the proud matriarch of the Moriarty Clan, loved and adored by all her family. Born July 31, 1922 in Canandaigua, NY, Bette was the third of five children. Sadly, her mother passed away when Bette was only fourteen. During those depression days when life was rugged, Bette kept the home fires burning, helping her dad, whom she adored, raise her two younger brothers while she got straight A’s, worked part-time and completed her education at Canandaigua Academy. In 1940, she met the love of her life, Jack Gorman, while visiting her aunt and uncle in Binghamton. Jack and his family lived around the corner and love soon blossomed. They had planned to marry in Canandaigua but WW2 changed their plans. Soon after Jack reported to Ft. Dix New Jersey, Bette joined him, forsaking a traditional church wedding and they were married in an army tent. After a brief honeymoon, they parted, Jack for the European Front and Bette back to her family in Canandaigua. When the war ended, they reunited, Jack attended Clarkson College and two boys were born. Bette was the quintessential corporate wife and homemaker, moving her young family 11 times in 10 years to support Jack’s successful career with IBM. They eventually settled in Endicott where she gave birth to her little girl and life settled around home, family and church. Bette was a proud mother, accomplished baker, avid bowler, golfer and bridge player. She enjoyed her extended Irish family. Attending the Moriarty reunions brought her great joy as did her wonderful neighbors, her work with the Altar and Rosary Society, the PTA, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1700.The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Betsy and Joe Lomonaco, Bette’s niece and her husband for their devotion especially during the past eight months. Many thanks also to the Staff at Elizabeth Church Manor for their incredible care during Bette’s stay. Also special thanks for Dr. Kristen Robillard who was Bette’s Primary Care Provider for many years.
Family and Friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Allen Memorial Home 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, NY from 3-6 pm Friday, January 2nd. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 am at our Lady of Good Counsel Church 701 West Main Street, Endicott, NY Saturday, January 3rd. Interment will be immediately following the Mass in Calvary Cemetery.