Elizabeth (Shippey) Kirkwood

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Kirkwood (Shippey),85, passed away on May 25, 2017 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI after a short illness.  Betty and her husband John C. Kirkwood celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 14, 2017.   She was born on October 18, 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana then moved with her family to Greenfield, MA as a young child.  Betty was the daughter of Edward and Helen (Looney) Shippey.  Betty and Jack moved to Johnston, RI in 2016 after living in Amherst, MA. for several years, but always called S. Deerfield, MA. home.

Betty graduated from Greenfield High School and the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. She worked for the Visiting Nurses in Greenfield, the Franklin County Hospital (now Baystate Medical) as an ER Supervisor, the Farren Rehabilitation Facility and the Turners Falls School District as a school nurse. 

In addition, Betty was on the Deerfield Board of Selectmen for 21 years.  She was a matron for the Deerfield Police Department and an EMT on the South Deerfield Fire Department.  She was the Deerfield Representative on the Wells Fund Committee.  She enjoyed her retirement years as a tour escort for Morgan Bus Company and a hostess for Bill's restaurant. 

Betty leaves behind husband, Jack Kirkwood of Johnston, RI and daughters Kim A. Kirkwood (Easthampton, MA); Robin Kirkwood Auld (Harrisville, RI) & Jacquelyn M. Kirkwood (Winnsboro, SC) as well as son-in-law Andrew D. Auld and grand puppies Sadie and Tucker.  She was pre-deceased by sister Nancy Isotti and brother-in-law Robert Isotti; sister-in-law Jane Kirkwood and brother-in-law William Kirkwood.  She is survived by sisters Barbara Dorhamer and Alice Hinkley; brothers-in-law Raymond Dorhamer and Richard Hinkley. She had 16 nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed reading, cooking, playing cards, going to the casino and playing golf.  She was a member at Thomas Memorial C.C.; the Meadows Golf Course and Cherry Hill Golf Course.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Liturgy of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 30 at 11 am from Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal St. Greenfield, MA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield, MA. There are no calling hours.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care of Rhode Island 1085 North Main St. Providence, RI 02904-9826 or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home.

Sympathy messages available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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