Bette J. Drucker

Bette Jean Drucker of Congers, NY passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022 at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence, in New City, NY. She was born on May 20, 1936 to Adeline and Elias “Lears” Silva in Patterson, California.

Bette grew up on the family farm in Patterson California along with her three sisters Adeline, Barbara, and Janet. She moved to Rockland County in 1967, ultimately raising her three children as a single mother. Bette was a valued employee for many years in Dr. Ira Jaffrey’s oncology office. Later in her career, she became the head of HR at BioReference Laboratories, a regional medical testing facility.

Bette enjoyed music, ballroom dancing, reading, and had a green thumb, but her greatest joy was her family and friends. Bette was one in a million, special. There was no one quite like her. All that knew her appreciated her playful spirit, quick humor, positivity, can-do attitude, forthright manner, bright mind, and zest for life. She was deeply loved and had a wide circle of influence centered in faith, family, and community.

She is survived by her partner and love of 28 years Angelo “Tito” Balassone, her children Roger (Kathleen Hall) Santos, Lynette (Scott) Dow, and Robert (Kim) Santos, grandchildren Briana, Melanie, Kyle, Steven, Joseph, and Orrin, and great-granddaughter Amaya. She was predeceased by her parents and son Louis Anthony Santos.

Family will receive guests on Tuesday, January 18th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Higgins Funeral Home; 113 Lake Rd. East Congers, NY 10920. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 19th at 11am at Higgins, followed by interment at Gethsemane Cemetery at the north end of Rockland Lake. Family and friends in attendance are welcome to join us for lunch following the services.