Betty Emma Lazzara Clark

She was born on March 25, 1923 in Sandusky, Ohio, the daughter of the late Carl and Emma Lazzara. On January 29, 1950, Betty married Wilbur E. Clark in Titusville, Pennsylvania. They would celebrate 21 years of marriage together, until Wilbur’s passing in June of 1971.

After her husband’s passing, Betty raised their four children by herself, often while working two jobs to support her family. While times were sometimes tough, her children never went without. She was an amazing cook and despite her other obligations, she kept their house in impeccable shape.

Throughout her life, Betty was the person that you could always count on. Whether it was a ride to the grocery store or picking up a prescription for a sick friend, she’d drop whatever she was doing to help a friend in need. Her infinite kindness and generosity extended to her furry friends as well. She absolutely loved animals and would adopt any stray who would happen through her yard, making sure they had food and water even if she herself did not.

Betty was very devoted to her faith in the Lord and was a longtime member of the Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta. She will be remembered and missed most of all for being a remarkable woman and a loving and caring mother and grandmother to her family and extended family.

She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Gage of Oneonta, and Patricia Horth of Cooperstown; her sons, Robert Clark, and his wife Stephanie, of Santa Barbara, California, and Ronald Clark of Lebanon, Georgia; her four grandchildren, Tammara Gage of Oneonta, Meaghan and Alex Clark of Santa Barbara, and Alisha Clark of Georgia; and her great grandson, Caden Henk of Oneonta.

Betty was predeceased by her brothers, Joe Lazzara and Billy Lazzara; her son-in-law, Keith Horth; and her daughter-in-law, Peggy Clark.

Friends and family are invited to call from 11am to Noon on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, at which time her family will receive guests. A funeral service will be held at the church immediately following the visitation at Noon, with the Rev. Olu Harding officiating. Betty will be laid to rest later in the spring in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family asks that you kindly consider making a memorial donation to the Betty E. Clark Memorial Fund, 15 Raymond Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Betty’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Elm Park United Methodist Church and all of its members for their tremendous love and support over all of the years that she has been blessed with their friendship.