Bette Ann Davis DiOrio Of Shelter Island Dies

Bette Ann Davis DiOrio of Shelter Island died at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport on February 26, 2018. She was 88.

Her parents, Helen (Schauer) Davis and Harry Davis, predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her sister, Eleanor DeWitt of Accord; and her husband, Anthony DiOrio of Shelter Island.

Mrs. DiOrio was a public health nurse on both the North and South forks of Long Island, spending her last 10 years of work at the Suffolk County prenatal clinic in Southampton. She was passionate about providing prenatal services to low income women.

Her favorite pastimes were swimming at Menhaden Lane and Fresh Pond, exercising at the FIT center, feeding her birds, and driving her five-speed Dodge Neon Sport.

She enjoyed participating in her community as a member of the Shelter Island Red Cross. She also enjoyed reading the Sunday New York Times and the Shelter Island Reporter. She was a strong woman with a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile, survivors said.

Born in Manhattan, Mrs. DiOrio was raised in Kingston. She earned her nursing degree from St. Luke’s in New York, and a bachelor’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University.

She met her husband, Tony, in the Bronx, while working as a public health nurse in Westchester County. She fell in love with his dancing and singing. She knew he would be a great father to their children. The family moved from the Bronx to Shelter Island in 1972.

Mrs. DiOrio is survived by her daughter, Mary DiOrio of Oregon; sons, Philip DiOrio (Linda) of Shelter Island, Harry DiOrio (Peg) of Shelter Island and New York City; and grandchildren, Jason DiOrio of Florida, Christopher DiOrio and Mia DiOrio of Shelter Island.

Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Isle Cemetery on July 24.