Elizabeth "Beth" (Heaphy) Whelan

Elizabeth “Beth” (Heaphy) Whelan passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on May 29, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Whelan, with whom she shared a devoted marriage and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Born on April 30, 1943, in Derby, Connecticut, Beth was the daughter of the late Maurice and Loretta (Dunphy) Heaphy. Raised in the Valley, she graduated from Ansonia High School before continuing her education. After attending the University of Connecticut, Beth chose to remain closer to home and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Southern Connecticut State University while living at home and working at Rapps Paradise Inn in Ansonia.

A woman of deep faith, Beth was a lifelong and devoted Catholic. As a young woman, she was an active parishioner at the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia, where she participated in Catholic Grads. It was there that she met the love of her life, Frank Whelan. The two were married in the spring of 1970 and began building a life together in Prospect, Connecticut, where they spent more than thirty years raising their three children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Beth’s commitment to her faith continued throughout her life at St. Anthony’s Church in Prospect, where she generously shared her time and talents in countless ways. She volunteered as a religious education teacher and later served as co-coordinator of the program. She was actively involved in the Ladies Guild, organizing the beloved Granny’s Attic at the annual Christmas Bazaar, volunteering at Bingo nights and the Pumpkin Patch, and helping lead prayer groups. Beth found great joy in serving her parish community and forming lasting friendships along the way.

Her dedication to service extended beyond the church. Beth was involved with the Prospect Historical Society, served as Deputy Registrar of Voters for the Town of Prospect, and was a active member of the Board of Directors for the Prospect Drum Corps during the many years her children participated. She believed strongly in community and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

While Beth treasured her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, teaching was one of her greatest passions. She touched the lives of countless children throughout her career, teaching at St. Peter and Paul School in Waterbury, Holy Trinity School in Wallingford, and ultimately at Algonquin Elementary School, now Prospect Elementary School, where she found her professional home. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues alike. In 1990, Beth and her family also opened their home and hearts to foreign exchange students from Vietnam, creating memories and friendships that endured for years.

Beth embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She was a loyal fan of UConn Women’s Basketball and the New York Giants, following both teams faithfully until the very end. She treasured her many friendships, enjoying weekly coffee gatherings, prayer groups, card games, bingo nights, theater outings, and countless celebrations. Beth was especially known for her spirited St. Patrick’s Day parties, which brought family and friends together year after year. In recognition of her Irish heritage and community spirit, she proudly served as Prospect’s Irish Mayor for a Day in 2017. 

Beth was also an avid traveler visiting many locations that were dear to her including Ireland. She always cherished the annual group trip with Frank’s high school friends. She also spent countless summers camping with family and friends eventually finding a home away from home at Prospect Lake Park in the Berkshires.

Beth spent her final years as a resident at Elim Park where she made many cherished new friendships.

Above all else, Beth’s greatest love was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and unwavering support enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Beth leaves behind her loving children, Colleen and her husband Sal of Cheshire, Connecticut; David and his wife Michelle of Medfield, Massachusetts; and Amy and her fiancé Mathew Burgess of Torrington, Connecticut. She also leaves behind the enduring lights of her life, her beloved grandchildren, Shaun, Olivia, Sal, and Colin, who brought her immeasurable pride and joy.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Meg Vance and her husband Paul Vance Sr. of Middlebury, Connecticut, and Kathy Dorosy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews (Paul Vance Jr, Megan Perrone, Patrick Vance, Ted Dorosy, Laurie Johnson, and Karin Batchelder), extended family members, and dear friends.

Arrangements:  Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect with burial to immediately follow at Prospect Cemetery.  All those planning to attend mass are asked to meet directly at the church.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Whelan’s services and assist her family throughout this difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prospect Historical Society (Scholarship Fund), PO Box 7335, Prospect, CT 06712 or St. Anthony Church Prospect (Elevator Fund), 4 Union City Rd, Prospect, CT 06712.

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