Bridget "Betty" Somerville
November 16, 1927 ~ August 25, 2022
Bridget ("Betty") Somerville (née Doyle), 94, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, August 25, 2022, in Urbana, Illinois, from complications due to Parkinson's disease.
Born in 1927 in Dublin, Ireland, Betty was the daughter of Francis and Kathleen Doyle. She grew up in a large family and a lively closeknit community, where she was a favorite among her friends, neighbors, teachers, and extended family. As a teenager, she enjoyed dancing and was also active in church activities and volunteer efforts, through which she met her future husband, Brendan Somerville. After they were married, they moved for job opportunities to London, England, where their two daughters were born. In 1963, they immigrated to the United States, and moved to Vienna, Virginia, eventually becoming U.S. citizens. They loved their home and helped sustain a welcoming neighborhood in Vienna, where they raised their daughters, built lasting friendships, and lived for the next five decades, and where they were active in arts and community organizations. In 2018, ten years after her husband passed away, Betty moved to The Virginian, a senior residence in Fairfax, Virginia, where she continued to make new friends, attend public events, and enjoy the camaradarie of her fellow residents. In 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, she relocated to Champaign, Illinois, to live with her daughter and eventually was in care at the Green House Homes at Clark Lindsey Village in Urbana, Illinois, where she brightened the lives of many residents, staff, and visitors, and enjoyed the beauty of surrounding gardens and parks.
With her friendly ways and ready smile, Betty worked in retail throughout her life, from her early days as a salesperson for the Baby Carriage Company in Dublin through many years selling fine china and porcelain at Bailey, Banks, and Biddle in Tysons Corner, Virginia. After retiring, she worked in a toy store in Vienna, Virginia, where the children and families she interacted with daily brought her great delight.
Continuing the community service of her early years throughout her life, Betty was active in many local organizations. A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church for six decades, she regularly contributed to the work of the parish as a member of the Women of OLGC, whether it was organizing funeral receptions or helping with fundraising efforts like spaghetti dinners and Christmas bazaars. For many years, she was a dedicated member of Our Lady's Quilters, where she not only helped design and sew quilts for annual raffles, but also enjoyed strong and sustaining friendships with her fellow quilters. For several years, she helped coordinate food donations for SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, DC. She also volunteered with the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia, an organization supporting the well-being of seniors, which recognized her with an award for volunteer service in 2015.
Wherever she went, Betty made friends easily and kept them for life. With those nearby, she loved sharing a good laugh over a cup of tea, and she was always eager to take a walk in the woods or attend outdoor summer concerts. With friends and family far away, she regularly wrote and received cards and letters. Enjoying music and art of every kind, Betty herself was also a deeply creative person. She loved tending her garden, with its beautiful stand of irises, and she often spent evenings knitting baby blankets or piecing a quilt. She baked with ease and was known for her Irish hospitality, making cookies, cakes, soda bread, and cream scones that always brought a smile to the family, friends, and neighbors for whom she made them. She delighted in the company of children and was a deeply loving mother, aunt, and grandmother. She did not drive a car, but she was independent, adventurous, and curious about the world, setting an example for the two strong daughters she raised. Among her friends, neighbors, and family, Betty was beloved for her warmth, sharp wit, and generosity, looking out to make sure that newcomers felt welcome and offering a comforting hand or a kind word in times of need.
Betty is survived by her two daughters, Una Somerville (Scott Olsson) and Siobhan Somerville, as well as two grandchildren, Kevin Olsson and Kate Olsson. She was preceded in death by her husband Brendan Somerville; her parents; and her brothers and sisters in Ireland and England.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 6-8pm at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia, on Friday, September 30 at 11am, with burial at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to any of the following:
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL
To make a donation: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA875/34272. Or drop a check off to the office at Our Lady of Good Counsel made out to St Vincent De Paul (SVDP).
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME)
https://some.org/give/donate-now
To make a gift by mail, send your check made out to SOME to 71 O Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.
THE SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
541 Marshall Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180Marshal
https://scnova.org/donate/
Born in 1927 in Dublin, Ireland, Betty was the daughter of Francis and Kathleen Doyle. She grew up in a large family and a lively closeknit community, where she was a favorite among her friends, neighbors, teachers, and extended family. As a teenager, she enjoyed dancing and was also active in church activities and volunteer efforts, through which she met her future husband, Brendan Somerville. After they were married, they moved for job opportunities to London, England, where their two daughters were born. In 1963, they immigrated to the United States, and moved to Vienna, Virginia, eventually becoming U.S. citizens. They loved their home and helped sustain a welcoming neighborhood in Vienna, where they raised their daughters, built lasting friendships, and lived for the next five decades, and where they were active in arts and community organizations. In 2018, ten years after her husband passed away, Betty moved to The Virginian, a senior residence in Fairfax, Virginia, where she continued to make new friends, attend public events, and enjoy the camaradarie of her fellow residents. In 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, she relocated to Champaign, Illinois, to live with her daughter and eventually was in care at the Green House Homes at Clark Lindsey Village in Urbana, Illinois, where she brightened the lives of many residents, staff, and visitors, and enjoyed the beauty of surrounding gardens and parks.
With her friendly ways and ready smile, Betty worked in retail throughout her life, from her early days as a salesperson for the Baby Carriage Company in Dublin through many years selling fine china and porcelain at Bailey, Banks, and Biddle in Tysons Corner, Virginia. After retiring, she worked in a toy store in Vienna, Virginia, where the children and families she interacted with daily brought her great delight.
Continuing the community service of her early years throughout her life, Betty was active in many local organizations. A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church for six decades, she regularly contributed to the work of the parish as a member of the Women of OLGC, whether it was organizing funeral receptions or helping with fundraising efforts like spaghetti dinners and Christmas bazaars. For many years, she was a dedicated member of Our Lady's Quilters, where she not only helped design and sew quilts for annual raffles, but also enjoyed strong and sustaining friendships with her fellow quilters. For several years, she helped coordinate food donations for SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, DC. She also volunteered with the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia, an organization supporting the well-being of seniors, which recognized her with an award for volunteer service in 2015.
Wherever she went, Betty made friends easily and kept them for life. With those nearby, she loved sharing a good laugh over a cup of tea, and she was always eager to take a walk in the woods or attend outdoor summer concerts. With friends and family far away, she regularly wrote and received cards and letters. Enjoying music and art of every kind, Betty herself was also a deeply creative person. She loved tending her garden, with its beautiful stand of irises, and she often spent evenings knitting baby blankets or piecing a quilt. She baked with ease and was known for her Irish hospitality, making cookies, cakes, soda bread, and cream scones that always brought a smile to the family, friends, and neighbors for whom she made them. She delighted in the company of children and was a deeply loving mother, aunt, and grandmother. She did not drive a car, but she was independent, adventurous, and curious about the world, setting an example for the two strong daughters she raised. Among her friends, neighbors, and family, Betty was beloved for her warmth, sharp wit, and generosity, looking out to make sure that newcomers felt welcome and offering a comforting hand or a kind word in times of need.
Betty is survived by her two daughters, Una Somerville (Scott Olsson) and Siobhan Somerville, as well as two grandchildren, Kevin Olsson and Kate Olsson. She was preceded in death by her husband Brendan Somerville; her parents; and her brothers and sisters in Ireland and England.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 6-8pm at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia, on Friday, September 30 at 11am, with burial at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to any of the following:
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL
To make a donation: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA875/34272. Or drop a check off to the office at Our Lady of Good Counsel made out to St Vincent De Paul (SVDP).
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME)
https://some.org/give/donate-now
To make a gift by mail, send your check made out to SOME to 71 O Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.
THE SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
541 Marshall Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180Marshal
https://scnova.org/donate/
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I was so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. I baby sat her two daughters when I was young. She was such a wonderful good hearted person. The last time I saw her was at my fathers funeral in 2011 and we shared a few happy memories. My sympathies go out to Una and Siobhan two wonderful and loving daughters. Prayers for you both Denise Irish (Green)
Rest in peace Betty. Ziggy and I will miss our walks together at Clark Lindsay. And those scones. Love, Trish
A candle was lit for the decedent.
For more than 20 years we had the pleasure of having Betty and Brendan as neighbors. They were the nicest neighbors we could have and we truly cherished Betty’s sense of humor, hospitality and kindness. Manon, our daughter, loved to spend time with Betty and is also deeply saddened by Betty’s passing. Love, Françoise, Alain and Manon P.S On the picture: Marie on the left and Manon on the right.
I am so sorry to read of Betty’s passing. She was good friends with my mom, Dorothy Flood. I actually came to the Money and King website because my mom passed away. I was saddened to see Betty’s photo. She used to come over to my mom’s house for St Patrick’s Day. She was hysterical! I know my mom and Betty are sharing a few laughs in Heaven.
Betty was a very good, warm and loving friend to my mother Joan. One of the first things my mother did once she was divorced was to fly over from England to see her dear lifelong friend Betty, Betty kindly included me into her life on her trips to England after my mother died and her warmth and kindness gave me happiness and made me feel better disposed towards my fellow ‘man’. The quilt she made for me hangs proudly on my wall. She was a fine craftswoman and a loving friend. She lived a very good long life; a life well lived
I liked to think of Betty as my “other mother” after my own mother died. Betty was the first person I met at OLGC and she introduced me to the quilters group. She will be sorely missed. God bless her Irish soul.
Alice
Betty was a lifelong friend to our mother (also Betty) and the Meehan family. The two were very close friends, and shared much in common such as their catholic faith, devotion to family, and the Irish culture. I recall several Saint Patrick’s Day dinners with our families around a table of corned beef, cabbage, and baked potatoes. Other fond memories include the Irish Feis events at OLGC, many backyard barbeques, and Saturday evening mass. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Betty’s homemade Irish soda bread and scones were second to none. (sorry Mom). Above all, Betty was cherished friend to our mother and to the family. We will miss her deeply. God Bless Betty.
Betty was one of my mother’s dearest and closest friends. After my mother’s divorce she flew straight over from England to see her friend again and I think their closeness was easily rekindled. My mother spoke of Betty often as we- her children- grew up. When my mother died Betty included me in her and Siobhan’s trips to England giving me warmth and kindness particularly at a very difficult time in my own life. She gave me a very beautiful quilt which I have very proudly hung on my bedroom wall as a fond momento of a really lovely woman who lived her life in such a loving and generous way.
On a few occasions, my Mother in Law Dorothy Flood, would ask me to pick Betty up for dinner and bring her to the house for dinner. I would claim Betty as my “Date”. Such a sweet soul and I could have listened to her Irish accent for hours! If Betty brought Me that much happiness to be around over a few dinners, no Doubt that those closest to her felt the great love she had for people and life. She will not be forgotten.