Remembering Betsy H. Boyle, longtime Catholic school leader and advocate

(Photo provided)

Betsy H. Boyle, a beloved educator and leader whose life was dedicated to Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver and across the United States, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Betsy was the daughter of the late Lois (Hale) and John Boyle and sister of Jack Boyle. Although her roots were in Ohio, her impact extended far beyond, particularly through her decades of service in Catholic education.

She is survived by her close friends and “mortgage mates,” Helen Welch and Susan Murphy, with whom she shared daily life and a deep friendship for many years. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Boyle; a niece and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues and former students who were blessed by her wisdom and warmth.

A Life Spent Building Up Catholic Schools

Betsy devoted 34 years of her professional life to the Archdiocese of Denver, where she served in nearly every role imaginable in Catholic education: teacher, coach, principal, associate superintendent, coordinator for the Office of Catholic Schools, superintendent, and secretary for Catholic schools.

In each of these roles, she championed the mission of Catholic schools as places where young people could encounter Christ, receive an excellent education and be formed for life.

After retiring from the Archdiocese in 2003, Betsy continued her work on a national scale. She had founded Catholic Education Consulting Services, LLC (CECS) in 1995, and went on to serve full-time as its president and consultant. Through CECS, she assisted dioceses and Catholic schools across the country, specializing in governance, law, personnel, policy development and board/council formation.

In addition to her graduate studies and degrees, Betsy held both a basic and an advanced certificate in employment law. She was a frequent and respected presenter on legal and personnel issues in Catholic schools, including at the Private School Law Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky. She was among the original members of Catholic Urban Educators (CUE) and served as a highly regarded member of the Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE) division of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for 30 years.

Her colleagues around the country knew her as a clear thinker, a strong advocate for Catholic identity in schools and a careful guide through the often-complicated world of policies and law, always rooted in the Church’s mission.

Honored for her Dedication

Betsy’s lifelong commitment to sustaining and improving Catholic schools did not go unnoticed. In 2004, she was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna of Regina Catholic School in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Nearly a decade later, in 2013, Loretto Heights College in Denver also honored her with a Distinguished Alumni award.

These recognitions reflected what so many already knew: Betsy’s work was not just a job, but a vocation. She poured her energy into ensuring that Catholic schools would remain strong, faithful and well-governed for generations to come.

A Friend, Storyteller and Rockies Fan

Beyond her many professional achievements, Betsy will be remembered with affection for the way she loved her friends and community.

Gathering with friends for holidays, birthdays or just a weekly dinner was an important part of her life. She was always ready with a joke or an amusing story from her many experiences in schools and travels. With a touch of playful embellishment to make things more humorous, she could keep a room laughing and connected.

Betsy was also a loyal Colorado Rockies fan, sticking with her team, especially during their most recent difficult season. Her steadfast support — of her team, her friends and her Church — was a hallmark of who she was.

Her sense of humor, hospitality and dedication to friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Woman of Faith and Service

In a special way, the Archdiocese of Denver expresses its gratitude for Betsy’s decades of service in Catholic education. Generations of students, teachers, principals and pastors benefited from her leadership, guidance and love for the Church.

We entrust her to the mercy of the Lord she served so faithfully, confident in the hope of the resurrection and grateful for the legacy she leaves behind in Catholic schools here in northern Colorado and across the United States.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.”

Wake and Funeral Information

For those who would like to pray for Betsy and support her loved ones, the following services have been scheduled:

Wake and Vigil

• Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

• Time: 6:00 p.m.

• Location: Horan & McConaty Funeral Home

• Address: 11150 E. Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014

Funeral Mass

• Time: 10:30 a.m.

• Location: Holy Family Catholic Parish

• Address: 4380 Utica Street, Denver, CO 80212

All are warmly invited to attend and commend Betsy’s soul to God in prayer.