Our Dear Mother and family Matriarch Elizabeth “Betty “ Graney passed away peacefully at her home September 18, 2014 .
After the death of her husband in 1988, Betty was determined to step into her husband’s shoes as District 17 Legislature. She ran a strong campaign to become the first women elected to the Cayuga County Legislature. Betty served several years on the legislature and advocated for many of the projects supported by her late husband, including the building of Cayuga County Nursing Home and continued support and advocacy of the Office of the Aging. She also served for many years on the Cayuga County Community Service Board and played and instrumental role in attracting Hillside Children’s Center to Cayuga County. Betty was recognized by the Cayuga County Legislature for her significant contribution by declaring August 5, 2009 as Elizabeth Graney Day in Cayuga County. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Auburn Community Baseball Club and The E. John Gavras Center. Betty had a quick wit and warm way about her and always made everyone welcomed into her home. She shared her talent of knitting and cooking with many of those she loved. Betty enjoyed keeping up with current events and was an avid MSNBC CNN and The Chris Matthews Show watcher. Until a few years ago she was and avid golfer and was a member of Meadowbrook Country Club and before that Auburn Country Club.
Her most treasured moments were the time spent with her family which she was very proud of. She will sadly be missed by her beloved children - Sons Bill and Mike Graney, Daughters
Doreen (Vince) Mahunik, Barbara (Bill) Lee, Patricia (Bob) Craver and Elizabeth Graney (Mark Passarello). Betty was adored by her grandchildren - Crissy, Jeffrey, David, Bobby, Patrick, Philip, Steven, Tommy, Billy and Andrew and was honored by her 13 great-grandchildren with the tile of “Big Mama”. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she deeply cared about.
Betty was predeceased by her husband William Graney, mother Catherine S. Franczek, brothers Stanley and Matthew, sisters Helen Oleynik, Beatrice Speanburgh, Stella Farrington and Nelia Ireland.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks for the wonderful and loving care Betty received from her caregivers Moley, Julie S., Connie & Briana and her niece and godchild Cindy Netti. Their loving care of Betty will never be forgotten by her family.
Per her request there will be no calling hours and a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Fr. James Enright on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church. Entombment will be in St.Joseph’s Mausoleum, Fleming, NY
Betty was a strong supporter of keeping professional baseball alive in Auburn and in lieu of flowers contribution in her memory can be made to the Auburn Community Baseball Club, 130 North Division St., Auburn, New York 13021.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Auburn Community Baseball Club
130 N. Division St. Auburn, NY 13021,