Elizabeth Heminway Dineen died peacefully in her sleep on December 8, 2002, with her son Chip by her side. A resident of Rye, N.Y. her entire life, Betsy, as she was called, held a passion for this community and its people, often walking through the village greeting merchants and other passersby, in wonderful spirits until the end of her life.

“Growing up, my mother would often tell me, ‘Always remember to appreciate the merchants. They provide color to the community.’ It was something her mother encouraged her to do as a child, too,” said Chip Dineen.

Born in Port Chester, New York, on March 31, 1936, she was the daughter of Anabel Phelps and Willard Heminway. She attended Rye Country Day School, The Masters School at Dobbs Ferry, and Garland College. 

She was an active community volunteer, working for over 25 years at the former United Hospital and The Twig Antique Shop. She was also a longstanding member of Rye Garden Club. An avid equestrian, she spent many hours on her mount, May’s Daisey, competing in sanctioned events throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. She found no better way to spend time than to be outdoors, walking, biking, horseback riding, and taking in the natural environment that so pleased her. Mid-autumn swimming with friends in the Sound at the Manursing Island Club, where she was a second-generation member, was also a favorite pastime.  

Betsy Dineen was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Jim Dineen, on December 6, 2017. They lived on Oneida Street in Indian Village their entire married life. She is survived by her only child, James (Chip) Dineen Jr. of Sag Harbor, N.Y.  

A memorial service will be held at Christ’s Church in Rye, on Tuesday, December 20 at 11 a.m.

Donations can be made to an organization close to her heart, Guiding Eyes for the Blind.