When I was a student at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, Betty Doyle invited me to her family home to share meals and fun times with her family. As a Black kid from St. Louis, I have never forgotten her kindness and generosity. Rest in Heaven Ms. Doyle
Elizabeth A. Doyle
July 29, 1918 – May 8, 2011
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Abbey Church in Collegeville for Elizabeth A. Doyle, 92, of St. Joseph, who died peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2011, at her home. Reverend Jerome Tupa, OSB, will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Family and friends may call between 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at Saint John the Baptist Parish Center. Parish prayers will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the parish center.
Elizabeth was born July 29, 1918, in Rochester, New York, to the late George and Katherine (Hyland) Finegan. She earned a liberal arts degree from Nazareth College, Rochester, NY. Elizabeth’s introduction to Dorothy Day and the early Catholic Worker movement sparked her lifetime advocacy for issues of social justice, including supporting the Civil Rights movement, advocating for peace during the Vietnam War, urging abolishment of the death penalty and serving as a volunteer for Birthline for many years. She was active in the DFL party and was a tireless advocate for international peace and justice causes. Elizabeth was a Benedictine oblate.
Elizabeth married Leonard J. Doyle at St. John the Baptist Church on April 7, 1948. They had nine children and lived in the Collegeville area all of their married life. After Leonard died in 1970, Elizabeth moved to St. Joseph in 1975. She earned an associate degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the College of St. Benedict and served as a Senior Companion for Stearns County until 1996.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Timothy (Clare) of Fairfield, CA, Anne Doyle Smit (Charles Smit) of Wabasha, Justin (Lita Lawler) of St. Joseph township, Brendan (Maxine Gerber) of Oakland, CA, Liz Doyle (Gerry Hasselbrink) of St. Cloud, Kevin of Collegeville, Michael of Collegeville township, Kathy of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Liam, Eamon, Matthew, Teresa, Thomas, Luke, Connor, Peter, James, Colin, Shauna, Maura, Emmett, Erin, Maeve and Brendan; and great granddaughter Kaia.
She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, Jeremy; grandson, William Hasselbrink; infant brother, George; sister, Mary Katherine Cotton; and half-brother, George.
Memorials will be directed to her favorite charities.
Guestbook
Justin and family,
I just found out about your mother’s passing. I am so sorry to hear and send my thoughts and prayers to all of you at a difficult time. Mothers hold a very special place in our hearts.
On behalf of the Senate District 14 Democratic Farmer/Labor Party Central Committee, we extend our deep condolences to Elizabeth’s family. Her lifetime of activism and conviction in the cause of peace, social justice, and basic human dignity for all – was an inspiration to many, many people. To Justin, Michael, and all the rest of her family, we sympathize for your loss. Elizabeth’s life was truly one that was well-lived. It made immeasurable positive ripples through all our lives for years to come.
Buzz Snyder, Chair
DFL Senate District 14
There is no sorrow for such a one who has lived their life as she.
abundant blessings to you, Michael, and to the entire family,
Neale Lundgren
We remember you fondly Betty, for your friendship which you extended to us from “over the pond”, and for your great kindness to us when we visited you. Through our friendship with you and your family, we developed a deep and lasting affection for a country we didn’t know. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to all members of the family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Anne, my bro Charles, Matthew, Teresa, Thomas and Luke. She was a great lady and will be remembered for her loving nature, her tenacity, and her optimism.
Your mother was a strong, beautiful, kind and peaceful soul. My sympathies to the whole family.
It was a real honor and privilege to care for Betty and to meet some of her wonderful family and friends. There will always be a special place in my heart for all of you.
Services
Schedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Abbey Church in Collegeville for Elizabeth A. Doyle, 92, of St. Joseph, who died peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2011, at her home. Reverend Jerome Tupa, OSB, will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Family and friends may call between 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at Saint John the Baptist Parish Center. Parish prayers will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the parish center.