Bettyanne McDonough, a Dame Commander with Star of the Holy Sepulchre, died on March 31, 2026, at the age of 88. Her Catholic faith, Irish heritage, Brooklyn roots, and devotion to family defined her, along with her passion for world travel.

Beloved daughter of Rose and Jack McDonough, Bettyanne graduated from St. Saviour High School and St. Joseph’s College, later earning a Master’s degree from St. John’s University.

A social studies teacher at Franklin K. Lane High School, Bettyanne provided stability during the turbulent late 1960s. She later served as Assistant Principal at Sheepshead Bay High and Principal of Westinghouse Vocational. Post-retirement, she continued her service as Special Education Director for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Bettyanne was a trailblazer in leadership and civic life. She was among the first women presidents of the Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, a founding member of the Irish American Teachers, and Emerald Society officer. As chair of the Department of Education’s Irish Heritage Committee, she played a key role in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bettyanne was honored as Irish Woman of the Year in 2001 and named St. Joseph’s College Outstanding Alumna in 2005.

She is deeply missed by her family, including Bill Simonitsch, Chantale, Natalie, Nicholas, Lawrence, Maryanne, and Tricia Ward.

A viewing will be held on April 13 from 8:30–10:00 a.m. at Fox Funeral Home (Forest Hills), followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Burial will follow at 12:30 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn (St. Brigid section).