Elizabeth “Betsy” Locke Killoran (1949-2026)
Elizabeth Frances “Betsy” Killoran (née Locke), 77, peacefully passed away on February 22, 2026, in Fairport, NY. Born on February 21,1949 in Buffalo, NY, Betsy lived a life filled with love, learning and dedication to her family and students.
Betsy graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School as part of the Class of 1967. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villa Maria College in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later a Master of Science in Education degree from Elmira College. Her academic work led to a remarkable career as an English teacher.
Betsy began her teaching journey at Chautauqua Central School, where she taught English across all six grade levels and coached the cheerleading team. As she followed her husband’s career path, she taught in several schools across multiple states. She completed her teaching career at Penfield High School in Penfield, NY. Throughout her journey, Betsy was known for her ability to inspire students through her love for literature and language.
Betsy was an avid swimmer who taught hundreds of students how to swim. Ever an enthusiastic reader, she found joy in the pages of books. Betsy’s spirit touched everyone she met, as she was known for her both her wit and her love for animals.
Betsy is survived by her husband, Daniel J. Killoran of Fairport, NY; her sister Colleen Mary “Kiki” Locke of Erie, Pennsylvania; her brother William (Kathryn) Locke of Cortland, NY; her beloved collie Circe Killoran and her sister-in-law Patricia (Paul) Whitney of Tully, NY along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul Raymond Locke and Margaret Terese Casey Locke.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (EGYPT LOCATION) at 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road in Fairport, NY on Saturday, March 7th from 10AM-noon. A Memorial Service will follow at noon celebrated by Fr. William McGrath, Jr.
Internment will take place at St. James Cemetery in Westfield, NY at a later date.
Donations in Betsy’s memory may be sent to the Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Rochester.
13 responses to “Killoran, Elizabeth”
Dan I am shocked and very saddened as I read this. So many fun memories of Ms. Locke, I could finally call her Betsy.
She was a wonderful unique woman that cared and touched many young lives.
Unfortunately we will be out of town with family on 3/7 but know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sad.
February 25 Dear Dan, I am so sorry to hear Betsy’s gone. I always think of her hospitality and her love of her family. She will be missed by all of us. Dorothy Money
Willy and Kay I’m so sorry for your and your family’s loss. Too young. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fondly, Joe and Marilyn (Bean) Barrett
I am so sorry to her family and other loved ones. I graduated from Penfield High School in 2013, and Mrs. Killoran was the favorite teacher, not only of myself, but of many of my classmates, as well. She brought such passion, knowledge, and kindness to the classroom. I am grateful I got to be her student.
My children had Betsy as a teacher and I’m forever grateful to her. She encouraged and motivated them in a unique way. She was devoted to their learning and was a very warm spirit in a place that could be cold and hard. She made an impression on them AND me and will be remembered very fondly. Thank you. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Killoran’s passing. She was a favorite teacher of many, myself included. I will remember her booming laugh, loving smile, and skeptical glare she could use to cut through any bs we tried to pull. She touched thousands of lives and will be missed dearly.
Mrs. Killoran was perhaps the best teacher I ever had. I only had her as a senior in high school but that one year was more than enough time for her to make her indelible mark.
She was quirky and quick-witted. She was the definition of “tough but fair.” She would probably groan at me for using that cliche but it’s true.
She taught me to think critically and challenge the status quo. She encouraged me to see and investigate the connections between all intellectual pursuits. She cared so deeply for her students and made me feel smarter just for knowing her.
She also introduced me to Kurt Vonnegut. I didn’t know it at the time but that was basically like her handing me a treasure chest with my name carved into it.
I will forever be indebted to Mrs. Killoran. All of her students will be. May she rest in peace.
Sincerest Condolences,
Lucas John Potter
Penfield High School, Class of 2009
So sorry Dan for your loss, Betsy was always a delight to see and talk with at the reunions and she was such fun way back in our Teke Days… Our prayers are with you and your family…
Ed and Maryellen Brennan
I am so sad to hear of Mrs. Killoran’s passing. She was an extraordinary educator who saw potential in me long before I could see it in myself. Her unwavering belief pushed me to become a writer far beyond my own expectations; in fact, I still credit her with giving me the confidence to pursue grad school. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been her student and to have witnessed the joy, passion, and mirth she brought to the classroom every day. She will be greatly missed.
Meg Graham PHS ‘02
Im so sorry to hear this news….. I grew up in Westfield NY, and currently reside in Fairport . I remember taking swimming lessons from Betsy at our community pool. She was a kind , warm, patient person. My condolences.
So sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. I was working in the admin. office at PHS and remember the day she was hired. The story was she actually did a cartwheel in the hallway! As a teacher, she made an incredible impact on numerous students, including my own. Rest in Peace, Betsy.
So sad to hear this. I had Mrs Killoran as a teacher at Penfield and she was one of the best.
Mike Wilson class of ’97
Mrs. Killoran was my favorite teacher! She also wrote me such a wonderful college recommendation letter that my Academic Advisor told me he was looking forward to meeting me because of it. I’m sorry for your loss, given how much fun she was at her job I can only imagine how fun she was at home!