Elizabeth "Betty" Goff-Mccaffrey

Elizabeth “Betty” Goff McCaffrey (nee Griffin), 86 passed away December 31, 2019 in Warwick, RI.

Betty was born in Middletown, Conn, January 14, 1933 and raised in Deep River, Conn. Preceded in death by her parents,  Martin Joseph Griffin and Margaret Ann (Reilly) Griffin.  She attended Deep River High School and graduated in 1951.

Shortly after graduation, Betty began employment in the local bank.  She had worked as a reporter, an administrative assistant, mental health counselor, real estate agent, restaurateur, and much more. She was politically active for candidates and causes. Betty gave her time and talents to the East Meadow Ladies Auxiliary Fire Dept., St. Mary’s youth group leader, Knights and Maids, and so much more.

Betty was preceded in death by her first husband Edward A Goff in 1976.  Married 23 years, and had 5 children. She is survived by her son, E. Martin Goff, of Minneapolis, MN; Mary E. Goff Shuff, husband John, of Morgantown, PA; Kathleen A. Goff Bucchino, husband Mark, of Mendon, MA; Nancy M. Goff Hanson, husband Chris, of Uxbridge, MA and James P. Goff, wife Kerran, of Kingston, MA.  She had 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and predeceased by several grandchildren, Elizabeth, Eddie, Joseph S. and several unnamed.  She gave birth to five children but was a mother to many.

Betty was remarried to Richard McCaffrey, of Warwick, RI. Their union increased the family by 14. They were married for 27 years enjoying music, dancing, board games and travel, especially to their beloved Ireland visiting relatives. Later in her life, Betty was proud to get her Irish citizenship.

A constant in Betty’s life beside her family was her writing. She was a published writer for several newspapers. One of her last assignments for the online Warwick Beacon was an interview with comedian Joan Rivers.  She was asked and completed a historical booklet for the Deep River Historical Society.  In addition to publications and political letters, she wrote songs, poems and children's stories.  Moved by the soldiers being taken off military planes in caskets with the press being blocked from covering their valiant sacrifice from the Afghanistan conflict, she wrote “One More GI”.  For her Richard, she wrote a Christmas song, “Every Day Is Christmas”.

Mom, May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

There will be a gathering 1-4 pm, on January 11, 2020 at 77 W. Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge, MA, residence of Nancy Goff Hanson.