ALBANY - Betty Jane Fleahman, 92, of Albany, died peacefully on Friday, May 3 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Born January 28, 1921 in Canton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Charles H. and Emma Seese Harlacher and wife of the late Arthur L. Fleahman, Jr. She is predeceased by her dear sisters Gladys (Frank) Igo, Evelyn (Joseph) Prall, and Eileen (Robert) Luce.
During World War II, Betty managed the F.W. Woolworth Company in Great Barrington MA, an accomplishment unheard of before the war. Later, she married and together they owned and operated The Center Inn in Glenmont for over 40 years. It was a family endeavor which instilled a positive work ethic her children value to this day. Betty worked hard doing everything from bookkeeping, banquets, to (as she liked to tell) moving beer kegs. Together they catered events all over the Capital District, making friends and serving the community. She was a long-time member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Delmar.
Betty enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends from Maine to Florida. She raised orchids, gardened, weaved baskets, painted, and even raised/showed boxer dogs. Betty loved cooking and her meals are something the kids, grandkids, friends, and relatives will always remember for the deliciousness and sheer variety. Grandma's house was always a special trip.
As if working a full day wasn't sufficient, Betty raised and cared for her family. She is the beloved mother of Linda (Jack) Sajan of Delmar, Arthur (Kathleen) Fleahman of East Aurora, Mark (Lorelei Landau) Fleahman of Clifton Park, and Bruce (Rebecca) Fleahman of Glastonbury CT. The grandmother of Kimberly (David Gran) Sajan, of Shanghai China, Jonathan Sajan of Albany, Ashley and Hannah Fleahman of Glastonbury CT, Benjamin (Bridget) Fleahman of Ogdensburg, Matthew (Allison) Fleahman of Raleigh NC, Seth Fleahman of Myrtle Beach SC, Natalie and Leanora Landau of Clifton Park; the great-grandmother of Amaya and Elianna Gran of Shanghai China, Ryan Fleahman of Ogdensburg, Sofia and Andrew Fleahman of Raleigh NC. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Her family is very grateful for the loving care given by the nurses and staff at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, especially Margaret, Jean, Elaine, Jennifer, Melissa, Kim, and Mary. Also, Betty's sons would like to note their great appreciation to their sister Linda for taking on the very difficult caretaker role for the last several years, ensuring Mom's comfort and happiness during her declining health.
She will always be remembered for her welcoming open heart and making everyone feel part of the family. Friends of her children were considered her extended family.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A funeral service will be held 10 am Wednesday at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 16 Elsmere Ave., Delmar. Burial will be in St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery, Glenmont.