Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Gillen

Elizabeth Ann Gillen - "Betty Ann"

Elizabeth A. Gillen "Betty Ann" (née Ferraer), age 78 of West Orange passed away on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. She was home with her beloved family who love her beyond measure. 

Born on May 3rd, 1945 in Orange NJ, Betty Ann lived in West Orange and raised her family in her childhood home, where many wonderful memories were made with countless relatives and friends. 

Betty Ann loved being at the Jersey Shore with her husband, Tony, being with family, and always shared fond memories of trips to Las Vegas and Cape Cod before having children. She loved going to Aruba with her sister and mom; the beach was one of her favorite places to be. 

Before marriage and starting a family, Betty Ann worked for Royal Globe Insurance, and shared so many stories and fun memories throughout the years. She then met and married her husband Tony on September 10, 1977. They raised two children together and made many wonderful memories as a family. Her most cherished blessing was being a “Mema” to her grandson Julian. Their bond is unbreakable and she was the most loving, fun, and supportive grandmother a boy could ask for.

Betty Ann is survived by her beloved husband, Anthony "Tony" Gillen; her two children, Katie Dolce and Andy Gillen; her son-in-law, Brian Dolce; and the love of her life, her grandson Julian Dolce. She is also survived by her beloved sister Ellen Nash and brother-in-law Peter Nash; sister Christine Mulvaney; seven nephews and two nieces; and many relatives and friends who loved her dearly. 

She is predeceased by her brother Noel Brennan; her parents, Frederick and Elizabeth Ferraer; in-laws, Anthony and Jessie Gillen; and a host of relatives and friends.

A Catholic  mass will be held at 11am on Friday, July 7th, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (1 Eagle Rock Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 474, Memphis, TN 38101-9958 

or

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281