Elizabeth C. Harrington Obituary
Elizabeth "Beth" Callagy Harrington, wife of Dr. Allan C Harrington, of Bethesda, Maryland and Rockport, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, in her Rockport home. She was born at Fort Belvoir, Virginia to the late Colonel Thomas Callagy and the late Muriel Callagy, née, Waggaman on February 18, 1960. She is survived by her husband and her three children, Allan C. Harrington Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, Julia C. Harrington of Bethesda, Maryland and Will S. Harrington, also of Bethesda, Maryland. She is predeceased by her two daughters, Mary Crane Harrington and Anna Callagy Harrington. She was the youngest of five children and is survived by her older siblings Margaret Gurtcheff, and her husband, Colonel John Gurtcheff of Sumter, South Carolina; Cathy Barber and her husband Colonel Gary Barber of Melbourne, Florida; and Shaun Callagy and his wife, Deborah Callagy of North Andover, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by her brother, Thomas Callagy, husband of Linda Callagy. She is survived by brothers-in-law, Dr. Thomas A. Harrington and his wife Michele Harrington of Weems, Virginia and Stephen R. Harrington and his wife Sheila Harrington of Groton, Massachusetts. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and her aunt, "Snookie", as well as her many, many dear close friends.
As the daughter of an army Colonel, Beth spent her early years on various military bases. She took great pride in being an "Army brat.". The family moved to North Andover in 1973. At that time, Beth's parents bought her a horse and Beth's beloved horse, Skye, helped her transition into her new Massachusetts home. Beth graduated from North Andover High School in 1978 and went on to graduate from theUniversity of New Hampshire in 1982. After graduating from UNH, she met the love of her life, Dr. Allan C. Harrington, whom she went on to marry on June 1, 1985, in Rye, New Hampshire. The couple lived in several locations before finally settling in the Bethesda, Maryland area in 1992, where the couple continued to reside. In 2012, the couple bought a home in Rockport, Massachusetts, where they spent as much time as possible.
Beth was an extremely kind and loving friend to all who were fortunate to call her friend. She gave her time freely to anyone in need, going out of her way to do whatever she could to lighten their load and lift their spirits. She spent many years as a reading specialist teaching young children at St. Jane deChantal School in Bethesda, Maryland. She loved animals, gardening, decorating and being by the seashore. She had a strong faith and was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. Beth was fiercely proud of her three children and treasured every minute she spent with them. Beth was always her happiest being with her family and friends, and they loved being with her. Beth loved and embodied the quote, "It's not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts.". Beth's life and love shone as a bright light on all who loved her and her passing leaves a small hole in each of their hearts.
There will be a private Funeral Mass followed by interment at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined. The family asks for your prayers and requests that donations be made to Backyard Growers in Gloucester, Massachusetts in lieu of flowers.
