Elizabeth A. (Eastman) Dennehy

HAVERHILL - Elizabeth Ann (Eastman) Dennehy passed away suddenly at her home on December 17, 2020. 

Betsy, as she was known to all who knew and loved her, was born in Winchester on June 24, 1947. Her family moved to Haverhill when she was very young. She spent the remainder of her life in Haverhill.

She was a graduate of Haverhill High School and Salem State College. She spent her career working with young children as a Pre-K teacher in the Haverhill Public School System, most recently working at the Cogswell School in Bradford, Massachusetts until her retirement in 2007.  In 1993, Betsy was nominated by her peers and was honored as the Haverhill Public School Educator of the Year.

Betsy loved biking, gardening, tending to her bird feeders and long walks on the beach. She loved spending time with friends and family sharing a cup of tea.  She cherished her memories of times spent vacationing at Salisbury Beach, on Cape Cod, New Hampshire, South Carolina and in Florida with her grandchildren. “Nana” was always interested in learning everything that was going on in her grandchildren’s lives. She loved to play games, build sandcastles, jump in the waves, swim in the pool with each of her grandchildren when they were young. As they got older, Nana enjoyed spending one-on-one time with each of her grandchildren going out to breakfast or spending a day shopping together. 

Some may have considered Betsy a “Superfan.”  She never missed a Softball, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball or Football Game, regardless of weather. Betsy attended every musical and dance recital. She adored and was adored by her children and grandchildren. 

Betsy spent her later years with her long-time companion, Russell by her side. She was welcomed into Russell’s family as one of their own. Russell and Betsy enjoyed dining out, attending sporting events together, going fishing and taking long drives “up the coast” in Russell’s convertible.

Betsy was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Eleanor (Leary) Eastman and her brother, Charles Eastman, Jr. Most recently, Betsy endured the unthinkable loss of her daughter, Beth Collins. Betsy is survived by her long-time companion, Russell Stoessel; son, Michael Dennehy and his wife Heather of Andover; grandchildren, Kathrine (Collins) Haselgard and her husband Jason of Rockport and Patrick Dennehy, Ryan Dennehy and Lauren Dennehy all of Andover. She also leaves behind her brother, James Eastman and his wife Terri, of Grafton, New Hampshire; sister, Elaine Eastman of Salisbury; sister in-law, Carol McGonagle and her husband Patrick of Haverhill. Betsy will be missed by her nieces and nephews, Rebecca (Eastman) Iyore, Leanne (Eastman) Petrou, Christopher Eastman and Megan (Eastman) Boelzner. She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 22, in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, No. Broadway, Haverhill. Please note to wear face coverings and social distancing measures will be in place. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Betsy’s memory to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com 

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