Elizabeth Jane Purkis

Elizabeth Jane Purkis (“Betty”), a devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on December 20, 2025, at the age of 99. She died of natural causes and had not been ill.

Born Elizabeth Jane Moore in South Philadelphia, Betty always spoke fondly of her early years there. Her childhood home stood next to a dairy farm, and she cherished memories of growing up in a world very different from today—before television, when radios connected families and automobiles were rare. She grew up during the Great Depression and spent her teenage years during World War II. A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Betty lived through challenging times that shaped her strength, resilience, and independence.

Betty was the daughter of William and Josephine Moore and the sister of Nancy Moore Hennessey, William Moore, and Robert Moore. The family later moved to Upper Darby, where they lived for many years. During World War II, Betty worked at the Quartermaster and supported the war effort through the USO.

A longtime resident of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Betty was a devoted member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church. She met her future husband, Francis Purkis—known to family and friends as Frank or Fran—while living nearby. They married in 1950 and shared a loving life together.

Betty and Frank raised six children: Francis, Timothy, Elizabeth, Nancy, Michael, and Cheryl. Due to job relocations, the family lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the early 1960s and Danvers, Massachusetts, in the late 1960s, before returning to Upper Darby in 1967.

As a mother, Betty was deeply involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She skillfully balanced the demands of raising six children—managing schoolwork, sports, household responsibilities, and countless activities—with grace and dedication. She was an enthusiastic volunteer at their schools and on class trips. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed fiction, history, and newspapers, with a particular fondness for the Sunday edition. Above all, her greatest joy was her children.

Betty was known for her warmth and outgoing nature, always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a constant visitor to friends and family members who were ill, offering comfort and companionship.

She was also a prolific card sender and letter writer, admired for her beautiful handwriting and thoughtful, old-fashioned correspondence that brought joy to its recipients.

Later in life, Betty and Frank purchased a summer cottage at the Jersey Shore, where they spent many happy seasons hosting friends, family, and grandchildren—memories that remain treasured by all who visited.

After Frank died in 1993, she lived on her own well into her 90s and continued driving until her mid-90s. She was very independent and self-sufficient.

The family is especially grateful to our brother and her son for taking care of Mom in her last five years, with much love and devotion. Fran devoted himself to making sure she was safe and comfortable in her home.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Francis Purkis; her daughter, Nancy Purkis; and her grandchild, Cheryl Purkis.

She is survived by her children Francis, Timothy, Elizabeth, Michael, and Cheryl; her sons-in-law Michael Crawford, Dr. Carlos Villareal, and Andrew Stewart; and her daughters-in-law Joanne Popovich and Charlotte Purkis. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael Crawford, Timothy Crawford, Mackenzie Halupa, Carlos Villareal, Spencer Villareal, Andrew Stewart, and Madison Borsuk; and her great-grandchildren Adelaide Crawford, Vivian Crawford, Eleanor Crawford, and Elena Halupa.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, strength, devotion to family, and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind.

Family and friends are invited to Betty’s Visitation 9:30-11:00 AM on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Ln., Drexel Hill, PA 19026, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.