Elizabeth "Betty" Parke Sears

Elizabeth (Betty) Parke Sears Age 92, of Elmira, NY, went to be home with the Lord surrounded by family members on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at the Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, NY. Betty was born in Glenburn, PA, the daughter of the late James and Laura (McNaney) Parke, on June 4, 1924. She was predeceased by six brothers and one sister. Betty was married to the late Alexander Edward (Ed) Sears for 60 years, and they remained totally devoted and loving to each other and to their children throughout their lives. Betty is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Lester (Heather) Sears of Queensbury, NY; James Zolla (Gail) Sears of Port Alberni, BC, Canada; daughter, Mary (John) Harwood of Conway, SC, and daughter, Laura Catherine Eaton of Cortland, NY; grandchildren, Matthew Sears, Eric (Chantal Richard) and Kevin Sears (Katie Kirkpatrick), David (Kristin) Harwood, and Brian (Margaret) Harwood; one great grandchild, Dean Sears, son of Eric and Chantal; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Parke of Colorado Springs, CO and Norma Sears of Horseheads, NY.She was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Betty worked in Elmira as a secretary for the Navy during WWII. Betty was married to Ed, her best friend and love, shortly after he was discharged from the Air Force at the end of WWII. She was a devoted member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, in Elmira, where she and Ed were married. Betty worked for such notable Elmira businesses as Iszard's and Panosian's Shoe Store. She retired from Chemung County Civil Defense as a Secretary, where she served faithfully for over 20 years. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Betty easily made friends with everyone and always loved to be in the middle of any gathering. She enjoyed needle work as well as playing the organ. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Emanuel Episcopal Church, 380 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY. Reverend Robert Adkins will officiate. Interment immediately following at Woodlawn Cemetery. A reception will follow afterwards at Emanuel Episcopal Church. Donations may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The family wishes to thank ALL of the caring staff of the Eddy Village Green Skilled Nursing Facility in Cohoes, NY, for their loving and tender care. Betty's tribute wall may be signed at www.olthof.com.