Betty L. (VanDeusen) Stephenson

Mrs. Betty L. (VanDeusen) Stephenson, age 74, of Deansboro, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with heart disease, on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. At the time of her passing her loving family was by her side. Born in Canajoharie, NY on April 27, 1935, Betty was the daughter of the late Dorothy M. Van Deusen. She was raised and educated in Canajoharie, where she attended grammar school and high school. In 1955 she married John W. Stephenson in St. Johnsville and throughout their 54 year union they shared great happiness and mutual devotion. As matriarch and housewife, Betty was a selfless woman whose first concern was the well-being of her family. With her strong will and nurturing nature, she dedicated her life to providing the best for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a good listener and friend, she enjoyed her lengthy conversations with her friends. She also loved the serenity of the country, sitting on her porch swing, and watching the animals in their natural setting. She found joy in cooking and also dining out, shopping, and traveling with her daughters. She also had an abiding love for her animal companions. Betty is survived by her husband John; her daughters and sons-in-law, Jacqueline “Jackie” and David Zangrilli of Whitesboro, Deborah and Robert Prody of Clinton, and Mary and John Fallon, Jr., of Waterville; her sons and daughter-in-law, John W. Stephenson, Jr. of Deansboro, and Walter R. and Jane Stephenson of Waterville; her grandchildren, David, Jr. and Diana Zangrilli of VA, Kelly and Anthony Vitullo of New Hartford, Kayla Prody, and Robert Prody, Jr., both of Clinton, Jenna Fallon, Rylee Fallon, Alec Savage, and Liska Savage, all of Waterville, and Lucinda Savage of CA; and her great-grandchildren, Talia and Olivia Vitullo. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Mary Powers, Edna Hopkins, Walter Hughes, and Nopel Stephenson; and her friends, Frances Grassi, and Betty Nicotera. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Jamie Prody; her niece, Linda English; her nephew, Douglas Hughes; her in-laws, Walter and Dorothy Stephenson, Thomas Stephenson, Ann Stephenson, Minnie and Charles Inman, Eldon Hopkins, Barbara Hughes, and Paul Powers; her friend of 70 years, Delores Schumacher; and her friends, Rose Rizzo, Jean Grieco, Mary Pezzolanella, and Polly Zangrilli. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers who faithfully attended to Betty throughout her illness. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Betty’s honor to the American Heart Association or the Utica Rescue Mission; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. A final blessing will be offered by Sister Elizabeth Giarrusso, CSJ on Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.