Bette Jo Dirig O'Brien, 67, of Hancock, NY, died on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY, after a brief illness. Bette was born at the Hancock Hospital (the big white house, not Read Memorial) on July 30, 1954, the middle child and only daughter of John Francis Dirig and Marjorie Elizabeth Maxson Dirig. Her brothers were Robert, Rodney, John, and Matthew. She grew up in French Woods at the highest point of Route 97, with a view for 20 miles into Pennsylvania. Her family had several excellent naturalists and teachers in succeeding generations, from whom Bette learned the names of wildflowers, trees, birds, and insects (especially butterflies and moths) on frequent outdoor walks with her brothers and cousins. Bette attended Hancock Central School from 1959-1972. She was highly intelligent and a very popular student. Special friends included Cindy Newman, Andrea Barron (her cousin), Sharon Dirig (cousin), Sheila Linkroum, and Mary Fletcher. The 1967 HCS yearbook shows her playing second violin in the orchestra, when she was in seventh grade. Music was one of her great joys throughout her life. Bette belonged to the Hilltop Valley 4-H Club for many years and enjoyed pressing wildflowers, collecting and rearing insects, and making clothing, as part of various projects that were exhibited at the Delaware County Fair in Walton. After graduating from HCS in June 1972, she worked at the Sears store and Becton Dickinson in Hancock. She married Patrick J. OBrien IV on July 23, 1977. She graduated from Broome Community College in Binghamton in 1979 with honors, having attained a registered nurses degree. She worked at Read Hospital in Hancock until it closed, then spent many years at The Hospital in Sidney, NY, and Grover Herman Hospital in Callicoon, NY. She also filled in as a part time school nurse at HCS. She spent the last few years of her nursing career as a private duty nurse for several families in Hancock. Bette had a special empathy with cats and dogs, which she cherished. This quality was heightened with people who were ill. She was an angelic presence when she entered a hospital room, touching and comforting patients with an instant, embracing rapport. Nursing was among her finest achievements. She also hosted family for holidays and other special occasions over many years. She was very loyal to those she loved, deeply religious, and a long time member of St. Pauls parish, where she served on the parish council. Bette was predeceased by her parents, numerous aunts and uncles, sister in law, Sharon Dirig, and brother in law, John OBrien. Surviving are her husband; her son, Patrick J. OBrien V; her brothers; her sisters in law, Diane Dirig and Denise Dirig; brothers in law, Michael (Linda) OBrien, Terrance (Linda) OBrien, and sister in law, Audrey OBrien; and nieces and nephews: David Dirig, Adam Dirig, Jonathan Dirig, Shane Dirig, Ryan Dirig, Terrance OBrien Jr., Joe OBrien, Leeann OBrien, Shane OBrien, and Megan OBrien; aunt, Barbara Dirig; and her beloved cat, Abby. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 8:30AM-10:30AM at St. Pauls Church, Hancock, NY. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30AM. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Bettes memory to the Town of Hancock Ambulance, P.O. Box 733, Hancock, NY 13783. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. SERVICES Calling Hours Friday, February 18, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM St. Paul's Church 346 W. Main St Hancock, NY 13783 Mass Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 AM St. Paul's Church 346 W. Main St Hancock, NY 13783