Betsy A. "Nana" (Avery) Linen

UTICA - Mrs. Betsy A. “Nana” (Avery) Linen, age 47, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 while on vacation with her family in Charleston, South Carolina. Born in New Hampshire on April 2, 1970, Betsy was the daughter of Basil and Gloria (Severance) Avery. As a young adult, she relocated to central New York and attended Whitesboro High School. In 1986, she began a relationship with Gary B. “Bernie” Linen, and he was everything to her. During their 30-year union, they loved and respected each other and were blessed with 5 children and 10 grand babies. They were inseparable. Betsy worked in the health care field for 28 years. She was employed at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and was very passionate about her job and the patients she cared for. Betsy was a very outspoken person. She was blessed with a beautiful family who loved her and honored her. Her grandchildren renewed her and always wanted to be with her. She maintained a crystal clear pool and a fantastic garden with a variety of flowers that bloomed each spring. Fishing on Saturdays in summer with Bernie was a must, especially by the river. They would often compete to see who caught the most. Get-togethers were happy times, and she loved to socialize with family and friends. She loved dancing and singing to her music and enjoyed playing Candy Crush. Betsy put her faith in God to help her children to be good parents, be strong, work hard, and be good people. Betsy is survived by her beloved husband, Bernie; her parents, Basil and Gloria; her sons and daughter-in-law, Shane Linen, Gary Jr. and Chelsea Linen, and Anthony Linen; and her twin daughters, Brittany, and Breanna Linen; her grandchildren, Malakai, and Dominik; Gary III, and Devin; Anastasia, Amarianna, Aarabella, and Anthony Jr; Avianna, and Ace; her brother, Peter Avery; and her mother-in-law Joyce Adams. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, her beloved longtime friends, Tammy, and Cherie; and cherished coworkers, Katie, Dawn, and Tracy. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, John Linen; and her maternal grandparents, Myrtle and William Severance. The family extends their appreciation to relatives and friends for their support during this difficult and sad time. Visitation will be held Thursday from 11:00-1:00 at the Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany Street, Utica. Betsy’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Charles March officiating. Committal services and Interment will follow graveside in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Betsy A. "Nana" (Avery) Linen

April 2, 1970 - July 5, 2017