Elizabeth Ruth Gilmartin Maguire was born in New York, NY on June 6, 1924 and passed away on October, 10, 2015 in her home, in Gilroy, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents William Gilmartin and Edna Boyd Gilmartin, her loving husband James Maguire, beloved son Timothy Maguire, brothers William, Robert, James, Edward and Sister Mary Annunciata of the Franciscan Community of NY. She leaves behind her sister Margretta (Peggy) Gilmartin of White Plains, NY and her beloved children, Jack Maguire, Daniel (Carolyn), Thomas (Erin), Peter and Mary (Craig Johnson), her grandchildren: Caitlin (Garrett Yacopetti), Connor, Bridget, Brenna (Brett Lorenz), Kelly, Dominic, Addie, Dallan, Meghan, Madison, Emma and Seamus; great grandchild Braden Yacopetti.

Elizabeth, known as Betty, grew up in Pelham, NY where she attended grade school and high school. In her twenties, she could be found swimming and lounging at the New Rochelle Country Club every weekend. She was a legal secretary in downtown NY before she moved to San Francisco, CA in 1955 where she met her husband Jim. They were married soon afterwards on February 4, 1956 at Old St. Mary's Church in San Francisco. They had their first 3 sons in San Francisco, before moving to Gilroy in 1960. Betty was well known in the small town for having so many boys and finally a girl.

She enjoyed playing tennis, took up lap swimming at the age of 50 and loved playing bridge with friends. She became quite famous for her homemade bread, jam and fruit leather. She was a huge advocate of the unborn and was director of the Gilroy Birthright for over 20 years. She was involved with Search, Cursillo, PTA at St. Mary's School, Gilroy Gators, Gilroy High School basketball and tennis teams.

Betty was a great woman of God, she served her parish as a lector, Eucharistic minister and taught Catholic Faith Formation for many years. She was a daily communicant and was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother Mary. She taught her children to pray the rosary and protect the rights of the unborn. She was blessed with so many amazing friends that became her family in Gilroy. Betty always had a smile on her face, even throughout her long battle with Alzheimer's.

Her sons Jack and Peter took amazing care of her for nearly 16 years. She and her entire family are grateful for all of their time, love and care. She may have left this world, but her soul is rejoicing in heaven. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Birthright or The Alzheimer's Association.

The casket will be available for visitation after 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 15th followed by the Rosary at 7:00 pm both at Habing Family Funeral Home, in Gilroy. The funeral will be Friday, October 16th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Gilroy at 11:00 am.