Name: Murphy Funeral Homes
Address: Arlington, VA

My deepest sympathies to the O'Connor family. Betsy was so devoted to caring for Daniel.  My heart is broken that he must now deal with her loss.  Betsy was very kind person who I had the gift of knowing since meeting her at the Lift Me Up! program. I am greatly saddened to learn of her loss of life.

Dave, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.  May you soon be comforted by the wonderful memories of your life with Betsy.

I will miss Betsy very much. She was not just a sister-in-law but a friend. She was someone I could talk to about anything, and she always provided an ear and was never judgmental about anything. And she was fun to be around and never took herself too seriously.

I really appreciated how she included me in outings and events with Daniel, and have always greatly admired how dedicated she was to his continual learning and growth.

Betsy lived gracefully and selflessly and with humor.  She seemed to focus mostly on the important things.  And, most amazingly, she did not lose these qualities as her health deteriorated.  She is a true inspiration in this way.

She also appreciated and paid attention to the everyday things in life, and wouldn't hesitate to share her finds with you—from the ginger ice cream you can carry out from the local Thai restaurant, to beautiful gardens nearby, to different types of tea, to the best place to get leather items repaired.  Betsy was also a great source of recipes and a go-to person on how to cook certain things.

Even when Betsy's health continued to decline she still seemed more concerned with or focused on others.  

I think Betsy's close and many friendships are a reflection of this.

She had a generous nature, and knew how to live and what's important.

Dear Dave, Katie Daniel and Betsy's extended family,

I had the pleasure of knowing Betsy for the last 9 years.  I will always remember her fondly for her zest for life and her unrelenting capacity for adventure and new undertakings.  She always had a smile and faced the challenges of her cancer with admirable courage and optimism even to the very end. She so loved her family and was very selfless in her care and concern of them.  My thoughts and care go out to all of you as you grieve the loss of this very special person who touched our lives in so many wonderful ways.

David,
Uncle Nick and I just learned of Betsy's passing.Over the years I have thought of your beautiful wedding and meeting Betsy,what a beautiful person
Our sympathy to you and your family.May she rest in peace.
   Love & Prayers
       Uncle Nick and Aunt Sandi

Small events of daily life remind me of the things Betsy and I talked about and did together.  There is a huge hole where she is missing, and so missed!

At this holiday time, I hope the bountiful loving memories of Betsy are yet another gift from a very generous soul.

Jody Katz,  Arlington, Virginia

Dave, Katie, Daniel, and others Betsy loved,

At this season you must ache missing Betsy. May you be comforted by your memories and knowing that she was given a few more years to love you and to enjoy, with highlights being the "sister trips" and Katie's wedding. We will miss her.

I feel so fortunate to have had Betsy for a friend, and will treasure my memories of the times we had together.  Our deepest sympathies to Dave, Kate and Daniel.

Love,
Linda and Dale

My memories of Betsy are cherished.  They cover many years of friendship.  Her courage, dedication to family and optimism were but a few of her gifts that brightened the lives of many.  With love, Della, Charles and Family

I will always remember Betsy's good humor, commitment to her family's needs and willingness to live life to the fullest even tho she had a cancer that shortened her life and caused her much suffering. Her memory will live on in all who knew and admired her courage. 
Arlene Christian, Arlington, Va.

Dear Dave,

I was so saddened to learn of Betsy's passing.  She fought so valiantly for so long.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Charlie

Dear Dave, Kate, and Daniel, Our Betsy has slipped away and yet I know she's still here with us. For almost 30 years she was my "go-to" friend for walks, talks, and fun things to do together. We loved to walk together down to the rose garden at BonAir, and she will be with me every time I go there. Peter and I have you in our thoughts every day.
Love, Liz and Peter Bruce

I am so lucky to have known Betsy. Had it not been for Rock Spring Preschool we might not have met. Over the years as our children grew up, we mothers, including Liz Bruce, got together for outings such as to the movies, or for a simple walk in one of the parks, or for lunch, or just to chat and discuss what books we were reading. We had interesting conversations and laughed a lot. We always felt good after being together. Betsy was a lot of fun, and I will cherish these times we had together.

Dave, She is in my prayers. Hope she and your family can find peace knowing she is in heaven

When I think of Betsy, I remember her  wonderful laugh.  She could see humor in so many things and seemed to always be smiling.  She embraced life.  I was very touched when she attended my 60th birthday party after she was already undergoing her treatments.  She did not allow her cancer to define who she was or the way she chose to live.  She was an inspiration and will be missed by so many.  My prayers go out to Dave, Kate, and Daniel.

I was so sorry to learn about Betsy leaving us. She was an wonderful part of our Hartsville family and a precious friend. We will miss her. My thoughts, love and prayers for your comfort are with all of her family and other friends during this time. 
Sally Thrailkill Johnson (Roswell, GA)

Dave,
I am so sorry for your loss and how hard it has been.  I know that there are no words adequate to comfort.  I am keeping you, Kate and Daniel in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Betsy,

I am writing this to you directly and your love ones on behalf of us (Marjorie, William, Susanne and I). Our love for love you and your family is without end.  
I say this as a son that lost his mom at an early age.  I know the impact thereof, even today more than 39 years later, upon my siblings, some younger than I.  Love endures and your absence in our lives will only cause us to commit more to your family as we go on,.

Love Paul, Susanne, Marjorie and William.

Dear Dave,
   I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife.  I know you have been a source of strength to her throughout her illness and an inspiration to others as you cared for her.  My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family.

May all of the wonderful memories of your wife and mother help to sustain 
you during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Shelley Levitt

    Dave O'connor and family's I prayer that God will give
you the strength, peace and comfort. And the day's to
come.God bless you Dave.

June C. Moe.

Dave,Kate, Daniel, and all of Betsy and Dave's extended families...You know how much I loved Betsy.  A dear friend for many many years..I share your sorrow and pray for all of you as you face this loss.

Betsy's life has been characterized by kindness and concern for others. As her sister-in-law for 22 years, I saw these qualities consistently as she nurtured her children and cared for friends and family in meaningful ways. She took an interest in what other people were doing. She helped our daughter get a job. She opened her home for holidays and family celebrations. I remember our last shopping and errand-running day, three months before she died: nearly all the errands were for other people, such as a bookbinding project for Dave and buying books that I did not realize were intended for me! Her birthday luncheon was a generous celebration for her friends and family. She was a dear family member and I will miss her so much.

Please accept my warmest sympathy at the passing of your wife.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dave, Please accept my warmest sympathy at the passing of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

OBITUARY

Betsy Dunlap O'Connor

September 30, 1951 – December 3, 2012

Murphy Funeral Homes

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