NORTH SHORE ALUMNA FROM SEA CLIFF HIGH SCHOOL “CLASS OF 1941”
Alumni Spotlight featuring Centenarian Betty Irvin
“North Shore is a perfect place to live. I loved the schools as well as sleigh riding and ice skating in the winter, and swimming at Sea Cliff beach in the summer.” - Betty Irvin
Introducing special alumna, Elizabeth “Betty” Irvin, who was born in 1923 and grew up in Sea Cliff on Littleworth Lane with her parents, sister and brother. This incredible centenarian spent all K-12 years attending Sea Cliff School where she loved playing alto horn in the band and singing in the Glee Club! Her family loved sleigh riding in the winter and swimming at the Sea Cliff beach (the Pavillion) in the summer. In 1941, she graduated from Sea Cliff High School with her classmates.
Betty met her beloved first husband (Ed) while living in Sea Cliff, who sadly perished during his service as a pilot in the Navy during WWII. Happily, Betty found love again years later with Clinton Irvin. In 1961, Betty and Clinton moved to Glenwood Landing where they raised five, beautiful children who all attended the North Shore Schools! She still loves cooking (chicken, hamburgers, and pork tenderloin) and eating with her family!
When asked what her secret to longevity is, she said, “Regular everyday living and taking everything in stride…”
Today, Betty is a grandmother of nine and a proud great grandmother! For many decades, she is still living in the same Glenwood Landing house with her two children and an adoring golden retriever, Rufus! She can be seen on most days taking walks in the morning and afternoon when the weather is nice.
If you see Betty Irvin, please wave “hello” to this special North Shore Alumna and be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday in May!
Glenwood Landing students across grade levels made individual cards or class cards for Betty for her special birthday. Thank you to staff members, Security Guards, Frank Papa and Andy Nyhun, and Faculty and Staff including Maria Daconti, Christine Pupura and Tracy Mayo for delivering them to her on her birthday, May 15, 2025.
Go Vikings Go!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman