Elizabeth E. (Murphy) Colangelo

Elizabeth "Betsy" (Murphy) Colangelo of Holyoke passed into eternal life peacefully on Nov 2, 2020 at home with family by her side.  When Betsy found out she had Ovarian Cancer four years ago she sought every reasonable medication and procedure to restore health and maintain a good quality of life. When it became clear that this was no longer possible, Betsy thanked her outstanding medical team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and moved on to palliative care that would enable her to have a brief window of relatively pain-free time. Betsy was born in Holyoke to the late Marie "Betty" (Bathelt) and Jeremiah Murphy on September 23rd 1954. She leaves her husband of 41 Years William J. Colangelo of Holyoke, formerly of Naugatuck, CT; her sister and brother-in-law Anne and Donald Lengyl of Naugutuck, CT. She also leaves behind her siblings Mary Ross of Holyoke, Kate Dempsey of South Hadley, William Murphy of Holyoke and Timothy Murphy and wife Cynthia of West Springfield; her daughter Erin (Sugrue) FitzGerald and husband Thomas of Florence, her son Christopher Sugrue and wife Alejandra of Westhampton and her stepdaughter Cara Segal of Northampton.  She also leaves the absolute joys of her life, her grandchildren; Mara and Jane FitzGerald, Penelope Villada, Georgia and Emmilia Sugrue, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved deeply. Betsy was a talented clothing designer and dressmaker in Holyoke for over 30 years. Her shop in downtown Holyoke was her sanctuary where women loved to visit. Each consultation, fitting, and final pick up usually turned into a three hour conversation. The space was filled with beautiful fabrics, rows of colorful threads, vintage dresses she collected for inspiration, and photos of all the beautiful ladies in their outfits.  It truly was a place where girl's and women's dreams came true as they planned their Proms, Weddings, and more.  Betsy made her 1st wedding dress for her high school teacher when she was just 15.  Later in her career she was particularly proud to have designed and made many of the Colleen's gowns for the Holyoke St Patrick's Day Parade. She finally retired from dressmaking to devote her time to the grandchildren, and for that time, her children thank God.  Betsy was predeceased by her daughter Katherine Sugrue of Holyoke and her granddaughter Maria Sugrue also of Holyoke.  Most recently, Betsy expressed that she was excited to hold Katherine and Maria again.  Betsy’s immediate family would like to extend a special thank you to her brother Timothy, sister-in-law Cindy, and sister-in-law Connie who provided incredible meals, rides and support to Boston, and supportive care during the most difficult times. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue, Holyoke. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Betsy to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-5450.

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