Betty Stewart

DELMAR - Betty L. Stewart entered into eternal life on August 15, 2011. She was 94 years old. Betty was born in Newark, New York on November 15, 1916. She spent much of her life in Newark, but moved to Delmar in 1989 to be nearer her family. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Nellie Lester, and her husband, John. She is survived by her devoted son John (Pamela) of Delmar, NY, two loving grandsons, Thomas of Charlotte, NC and Christopher of Delmar, her brother-in-law William Stewart (Eleanor) of Sarasota, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Betty lived a long, accomplished and fulfilling life. After receiving her educator's degree from SUNY Brockport, she taught elementary school for many years, first in Warsaw, NY and later in Newark. Betty attended Columbia University, where she obtained a Masters' Degree and completed coursework towards a PhD. She was also an Associate Professor in the Education Department at SUNY Geneseo for several years. Betty retired from teaching in 1974, but shortly began a second career as an assistant manager in the business office of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital. After more than a decade at the hospital, Betty retired and relocated to Delmar. Betty's spiritual life was very important to her. She was an active member first of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Newark, and later, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Delmar, serving on the Altar Guild. Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed working crossword puzzles, and was an accomplished bridge player. She was a member of the Bethlehem Seniors organization and the Delmar Progress Club. The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the palliative care nursing staff at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, particularly Colleen, Diane, Nan, and Veronica for both their exemplary care of Betty, and their kindness, compassion, and support to her family during Betty's final days. A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Food Pantries for the Capital District, 32 Essex Street, Albany, NY, 12206 in Betty's memory.