Betty Jean Fazio, 77, died peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on Tuesday, August 30, after a long illness. Born in Springfield in 1934, she was for many years a resident of Vineyard Haven. A lifelong artist, Betty was proprietor of art galleries in Springfield and on Martha’s Vineyard. Her paintings may be found in private collections across the country. A member of St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish, she has served as a Minister of the Eucharist, religious education instructor, and since 1974, was involved in leadership of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Alice Fazio. Her elder son, Gregory Fazio of Springfield, died in November 2001 and her beloved sister, Alice Singleton of Miami, Fla., died in 2004. Her love lives on in her son, Michael Brian Fazio of Chester, Conn., her nieces, Donna Farina and Diane Robertson of Easthampton, and her nephew, Charles Anthony Farina of Hollywood, Fla., as well as many other family and friends throughout the country.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Spirit Chapel at St. Michael’s Cathedral, 254 State street in Springfield this evening, Sept. 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. which will be preceded by calling hours from 5 to 6:45 p.m. before the Mass. A reception will follow the Mass on Friday evening in the Bishop Marshall Center at St. Michael’s Cathedral. (The Holy Spirit Chapel and the Bishop Marshall Center are located directly behind St. Michael’s Cathedral. Please use the parking lot and entrance on Elliott street.)

Betty was supported during her convalescence by the pastoral ministry of St. Michael’s and was always grateful for their visits. Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Michael’s Cathedral Choir Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1730, Springfield, MA 01102-1730.

Arrangements are under the care of St. Pierre – Phaneuf Funeral Chapels in Springfield (telephone, 413-737-1177).