Bette R O'Leary

Bette R. O'Leary, 100, of Aiken, South Carolina, formerly of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026. Born on August 4, 1925, in London, England, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Frances Elliott. A woman of strength, compassion, and adventure, Bette lived a remarkable life marked by service to others, devotion to family, and an unwavering faith in God.

During World War II, Bette proudly served in the Land Army in England, doing her part to support the war effort. Following the war, she dedicated more than 40 years of her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. Bette found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She loved gardening, dancing, painting, and her church choir, and she embraced every opportunity to see the world, journeying to destinations across the globe. One of life’s greatest adventures came during a girls’ trip to Savannah, Georgia, where she met the love of her life, Joseph D. O’Leary. Determined to build a future together, she obtained her visa, returned to the United States, and married Mr. O’Leary, beginning a loving marriage and family that would become the center of her life. Above all, Bette cherished her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth, wisdom, and caring spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Surviving are her children, Joseph J. O’Leary (Terri), Peter O’Leary (Ann), Frances O’Leary, and Elizabeth Stone (Dale); grandchildren, Samantha Cain (Phillip), Katherine O’Leary-Cole (Kelley Bronaugh), William Elliott O’Leary-Cole (Deserie), James O’Leary, Marie Claire O’Leary-Smith (Mitchell), Thomas O’Leary, Erin Whitlock (Ethan), and Augustus J. O’Leary; great-grandchildren, Lyla Cain, Everly Whitlock, Nathalie O’Leary-Cole, Zoey Cain, Miller Whitlock, Booker Smith, Paxton O’Leary-Cole, Ollie Cain, Callum Smith, and Sadie Whitlock; her sister, Wendy Tyler; and many extended family members and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Joseph D. O’Leary, and her sister, Mary Hamlen.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 o'clock, Monday evening, June 15th, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 o'clock on Saturday, June 20th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 802 Lovell Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328, with Father Brett Brannen officiating. Inurnment will follow at Greenwich Cemetery. The Rosary will be held from 4 until 6 o'clock on Friday evening, June 19th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.