Obituary of Betty J. Blair

BLAIR, Betty J. Age 83 of Horseheads passed away Mon. May 10, 2010. She was born Aug. 30, 1926 in Canandaigua, NY, the daughter of the late Howard and Harriett (Andrews) Blair. Her surviving family includes devoted friends including her caregiver and “personal chauffeur”, Beverly Donlon; Special friends, Marsha Finley of Horseheads, NY, Theresa Santana of California; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Frank) Howe of Keuka Lake, NY, Phyllis Blair of Elmira, NY, Patricia Blair of Boyds, MD; nieces and nephews, Larry Blair and Tom Blair; Jackie Moore, Linda Brennan, Terry Garlow, Judy Higgins, Steve Blair, Gary Blair and Patti Strohl. Betty was predeceased by her brothers, Howard, Curtiss, and Douglas Blair; and niece, Nancy Orlando. Betty was a graduate of Southside High School and Ithaca College receiving a degree in Physical Therapy. She was the first Physical Therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Betty was a longtime Insurance Agent in Elmira who operated the family insurance agency, Blair Insurance. She was a member of New Beginnings United Methodist Church; former member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association, past member of Zonta in Elmira, and co-founder and past president of Chemung County Council of Women. She was a good friend and a wonderful aunt who always carried a smile. Betty remained an avid sportsman and in her younger years was a skilled softball player who once was quoted by Al Malette as the “toast of softball” after pitching a no-hitter. She was also a member of the 300 league of bowlers. Betty was a quick wit who always left everyone with a smile on their faces. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home 413 S. Main St. Horseheads today Wed. May 12, 2010 from 5-8:00 pm. Her service will be celebrated in New Beginnings United Methodist Church 300 Miller St. Elmira, NY 14904 on Thurs. May 13, 2010 at 11:00 am with interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. Those wishing may also remember Betty with memorials to: Southern Tier Food bank 945 County Road 64 Elmira, NY 14903-9701 and American Diabetes Assoc. 356 North Midler Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206. Special Thanks to Betty’s staff of doctors and caregivers, including those at St. Joseph Hospital for their care over the past several years. Condolences and remembrances may also be left and viewed at www.barberfuneralhome.com