Elizabeth Y. Harkless

Devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, and “little grammie”, Elizabeth “Betty” (Gingras) Harkless, 78, entered into eternal rest peacefully on April 6, 2021 in her home surrounded by her children. Born in Springfield on April 4, 1943 to the late Joseph and Martha (Isaac) Gingras, she was a lifelong resident of Springfield and a faithful and devoted parishioner of Holy Cross Church. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School Class of 1962 and STCC. Betty wed Dallas Harkless on Valentine’s Day, 1981. They shared 31 years together. Betty lived her life with faith, love, and a gentle heart. Betty had a kind nature which will be deeply missed. Her family was her pride & joy. Nothing pleased her more than being surrounded by them and hearing about their daily lives. She enjoyed playing cribbage, maple walnut ice cream, coffee, camping, the beach, car rides, shopping with her sisters, reading, and praying her chaplet. She and her family enjoyed many family vacations together, a few of her favorites, Virginia Beach, PEI, Disney, Hawaii, and Seattle. These trips were most memorable for her. Being able to share her faith, guidance and wisdom with her children and grandchildren brought her great joy. She always presented her best self through her choices of clothing, her favorite jewelry, and her beautiful hair. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her beloved husband in 2013 and three brothers Joe, Bill and Emmanuel Gingras. She is survived by her five devoted children Nadine Wyszynski of Buckley, WA, Raymond Wyszynski and his wife Kim of West Brookfield, Stephen Wyszynski and his wife Maria of Springfield, Janine Kent and her husband David of Hampden, and Rachel Stevenson and her husband Rob of Southwick. She also leaves her brothers, Ted Gingras of Feeding Hills and Gene Gingras and his wife Lorraine of Springfield; four sisters, Ida Sheick and her husband Vern of Sun City, AZ; Gloria Boisvert, Mary Collins and husband George, and Paula Lazzari, all of Springfield; and she leaves her fourteen adored grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Mrs. Harkless’ funeral will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 8:45 A.M. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield at 10 A.M. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 1P.M. – 3P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation