Elizabeth “Betty” York, 84, of Rocky Point, NY passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2025 at Saint Charles Hospice.
Betty was born on January 10th, 1941 in Brownington, VT to the late Elwin LaFoe and Phyllis Bennett. She is survived by her husband Gary York of Bernardston, MA, her sisters Beverly Greenia of Naples, FL and Becky Coleman of New Virginia, IA as well as her children Ricky Williams of Tool, TX, Fred Williams of Dallas, TX, Paul Williams of Bernardston, MA and Jennifer (Williams) Sullivan of Rocky Point, NY. Betty leaves 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, plus nephews and nieces; she is predeceased by her brothers Gary and Dale, her son Bobby Joe, daughter Juanita and grandsons Aaron and Charles.
Betty led a fruitful and adventurous life, positively affecting countless members of Western MA. Her first job was at Kendall Mills at a young age as she raised 6 children and then she helped open the Head Start program of Franklin County, while delivering food to less fortunate families through Community Action. Next, Betty wrote grant applications for the CETA job training program, where she also served as a supervisor for the worksites – all while riding her beloved 250 Indian Scout motorcycle.
Betty then supervised a group home and with her second husband operated A Pot of Gold Fried Dough everywhere from Fenway Park to the local fairs. In 1981 they started the famous Rainbow Bend Restaurant in Gill until it closed in 1993. She then became a seamstress at the Northfield Mount Herman School and made faux taxidermy items at Humane Trophies in Guilford, VT. Having met her third and final husband, her remaining working years were spent at the Buckley Nursing Home and she was also president of the Greenfield Country Estates HOA better known as Brownies Trailer Park.
Betty greatly enjoyed knitting, crotchet, sewing, painting, good movies and an occasional blackberry brandy.
A memorial service is planned for May 10th at Saint Anselm’s Episcopal Church in Shoreham, NY and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers please honor Betty’s memory with a donation to your local animal shelter.
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