Obituary of Elizabeth M. Danker

Elizabeth M. Danker (née Fitzgerald) of South Weymouth and North Falmouth passed peacefully on August 30, 2023 at the age of 95. Elizabeth, known also as “Betty,” “Mom,” and “Nanni,” gave and received no shortage of love in her life; she was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend.

Elizabeth was born on August 4, 1928 in Boston, MA to the late William and Madeline Fitzgerald. She was raised in Newton, MA and graduated from Newton High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Robert T. Danker. She attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and after a leave from her studies to begin a family in South Weymouth, returned and soon graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. She held immense pride in her education, and soon began teaching and sharing her love of art with students across the South Shore.

True to her artistic nature, Elizabeth led a full and colorful life. She could often be found painting the beautiful scenery of The Cape in her watercolors or visiting her local art galleries. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, whether exploring Old Silver Beach in the summer, going for walks around the Falmouth Marina, or reading together from the library of children’s books she saved especially for visits. She was a social butterfly in the truest sense, finding friends wherever she went and often keeping them for life. Even now, all those who knew her will think of her at the sight of her many beautiful watercolor paintings, a box of dark chocolate nonpareils (her sweet of choice), or one of the late summer Cape sunsets she loved (orange was her favorite color, after all).

In addition to her late parents and husband, Elizabeth is once again with her beloved sister Barbara Barlow of Ashland, MA. She is survived and dearly missed by her three children: Christopher Danker and his wife Linda of Groton, MA, Mark Danker and his wife Beth of Loudon, NH, and Debra Burgoyne of Duxbury, MA. She also leaves five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth’s family is especially thankful to the devoted and compassionate staff of Cranberry Hospice and The Life Care Center of Plymouth. Her loved ones’ gratitude for their dedication to Elizabeth’s care and comfort, and the support, empathy, and friendship they offered, cannot be overstated.

A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to Cranberry Hospice, located at 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.