Obituary of Elizabeth Jane Horigan

Elizabeth Jane Horigan of York, Maine, passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Charles and Elsie Mae (Walthers) Michaels. She is predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, J. Michael Horigan and their son Michael Terence Horigan, her brothers, Charles Michaels, and Clayton Michaels. She is survived by children, Elizabeth Ann (Brent) Moore of Clermont, FL, Thomas Francis (Mary) Horigan of York, ME, Timothy Daniel (Angela) Horigan of East Amherst, NY, James Patrick (Lynne) Horigan of Chester, NH, daughter-in-law Rubina Horigan of Ithaca, NY; grandchildren, Michael Vincent and Eleanor Moore, Brendon Horigan, Katie, Michael Connor and Sean Horigan, Lucas and Daniel Horigan, Erin and Garrett Horigan. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary (Michael) West, Bill (Sharon) Michaels, Dennis (Sue) Michaels, sisters-in-law Johannah Horigan Troccia, and Joanna Horigan; along with several nieces and nephews. Elizabeth, also known as BJ to family and friends, grew up in Elmira, married in 1957, and raised her five children in Elmira. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Elmira, NY. She left nursing to start a family, only to return to nursing full-time in 1972 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elmira, NY. She aspired to improve her earning power, so she entered an academic program for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Alfred University, Alfred, NY. She attended university classes over several years, graduating with a BSN in 1981 – all while working full-time and raising a family. After working for several years at St. Joe’s, BJ transitioned to a position as a public health nurse at the Chemung County Department of Health, where she finished out her nursing career. After retirement, she stayed in Elmira for several years, then moved to York, ME in 2018 to be closer to two sons. BJ filled her retirement years with visiting family and working on her hobbies. She was a talented seamstress, often creating unique outfits for herself and her granddaughters. Also, BJ was a prolific oil painter, using landscapes and flowers as her favorite subjects. She was always looking to improve and refine her skills by researching various techniques and painting copies of old master’s works. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for BJ on Saturday, July 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira. Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to York Housing’s Wishing Well Fund for resident services. Please make checks payable to York Senior Housing, c/o York Housing, 4 Pine Grove Lane, York, Maine 03909.