Elizabeth Mary Browner Heaney, born June 8, 1925 in Limerick, Ireland, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, September 06, 2020 in Laguna Woods, California. Elizabeth—'Betty' to her beloved husband, Thomas Desmond (Des); Mom to her 4 children, Anne-Marie Voegtlin, Brian Patrick Heaney, Aileen Frances Shuckman and Shelagh Elizabeth Reisner. was a devoted wife and mother. Betty, as they too always called her, was much loved, admired and respected by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Jackson Heaney, and her 3 sons-in-law, Jim Voegtlin, Gil Schuckman and Craig Reisner.
As Elizabeth grew in her sense of who she was in the world, so did her family. With the birth of her first grandchild in 1976, she became Nana to her 9 grandchildren and GiGi to her 9 great grandchildren. Born to Cornelius and Frances Mary Lynch Browner, Elizabeth is survived by her two sisters, Philomena Murray (New Jersey) and Maura Cross (Limerick), and her brother Eamon Browner (Toronto, Canada) each of whom she so loved. Betty now shares a place in heaven with her much loved brothers: Connie, Michael & Paddy Browner, and with her adored little granddaughter, Caitlin Rose Heaney, who is so happy to now share heaven with both her Grandmas and her Papa Des.
Elizabeth (Nana) loved her grandchildren and the many wonderful times she shared with each of them very much—and they loved her. She is looking down on each of them now and sending kisses from heaven to Ryan Lannon & wife Jennifer, Brandon Heaney & wife Bobbi, Trevor Heaney & wife Brittany, Michael Voegtlin & wife Chanell, Kevin Voegtlin & wife Britney, Amanda Schuckman, and Lily & Scarlett Reisner.And GiGi, as she was called by her great grandchildren, so loved them all and was so special to Nora & Emily Lannon; Brighton, Bo & Bron Heaney; Thomas, Wyatt & Ryan Heaney and sweet little Maggy Voegtlin.
Betty lived a long, wonderful 95 years. Married August 12, 1950 in their hometown of Limerick, Betty and Des immigrated to Canada as newlyweds, eventually making their home in Southern California in 1958. In 1985, Elizabeth forged ahead, began a challenging new career and carved out a new life for herself, following the sudden passing of her darling Des. And she did so with grit, determination and the belief that 'her' Des was looking down on her, supporting her and giving her strength. And now Elizabeth's journey comes full circle, again with her beloved Des, the love of her life, they have come home, and are together forever, dancing in Heaven.

Services to be held Saturday, October 3 at 11 o'clock in the morning for family and close friends at Ascension Cemetery, Lake Forest, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family, with respect for Elizabeth's wishes, requests donations to either the American Lung Association or The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.