NORTH NORWICH – Betty Ann Verenini, 75, former long-time North Norwich resident, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford, where she had made her home for the past several years.
Born in Cooperstown in April of 1935, Betty Ann was the daughter of Percy and Mary E. Ottaway Rosenthal. She grew up in the Bowerstown area around Cooperstown and attended the Cooperstown schools. Betty Ann retired after working for over 20 years at Chenango County Dept. of Social Services. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Christ Lutheran Church and a member of its choir. Very musically inclined with a lovely voice, she enjoyed singing with the choir of any churches she was associated with over her years. It seemed that her belief in the healing qualities of music sustained her throughout her life. She was artistic, liked to cook and bake, loved gardening and flowers. Any visitor to Betty’s home left with a bouquet of freshly cut blooms. Following her Aug. 18, 1984 marriage to Fred Verenini in the Christ Lutheran Church of Norwich, Betty and Fred made their home in North Norwich for over 25 years.
Betty is survived by her children and their spouses: Karyn and Terry McElroy of New Berlin, Sharyn McInerney and husband Jesus Suarez of Norwich, Suzan Mapes and fiancé Dan Muller of Phoenix, Ariz., Renee and Peter Andrews of Oneonta, Mark and Cornelia Rivenburg of Ohio, Jeff and Shari Rivenburg of Greene, Leslie and Dave Eaton of Oxford, Benjamin Rivenburg of Colorado, Betty Jean and Tim Shute of Colorado, Jennifer and Jeff Didio of Oneida, Mary Ellyn Iyoob and significant other Glen Bourassa of Pennsylvania, and Fred and Laurie Rivenburg of Norwich. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild; her sister, Dorothy Field of Cooperstown; and nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Fred, on Sept. 5, 2009; her son, Paul Cleveland; and grandchildren Shannon Nordstrom and Yasid Donadelle.
Funeral services for Betty Ann will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday from the Christ Lutheran Church of Norwich. The Rev. Thomas Olson, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to either the Alzheimer’s Association, Leatherstocking Region Office, Suite 2, 140 Co. Highway 33W. Cooperstown, NY 13326: or to the Christ Lutheran Church, 94 North Broad St., Norwich NY 13815.