Betty Ann Tollefsen Day, 77, went to share eternity with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on October 30, 2013, surrounded by family and friends at her daughter’s home in Spring, Texas. She was born on July 15, 1936 in Jefferson, New York to Halvor and Marie Tollefsen, who predeceased her.
Betty is survived by her husband, love, and best friend of 56 years, The Rev. William L. Day, their children and spouses, and grandchildren: Mark Emerson Day (Deana), Christopher and Patrick; and Katherine Marie Day Turner (James), Jessica and James; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the United States and Norway. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her parents emigrated from Norway to North Harpersfield, New York where Betty grew up. She graduated from Jefferson Central School and Oneonta State Teachers College. Betty taught elementary grades in North Syracuse and Unadilla, New York, and Malden, Massachusetts. She retired early to raise her family, care for elderly parents, and support her husband’s ministry as an Episcopal parish priest.
Her activities centered around her family and church. She was a founding member of the St. Therese d’Lisieux chapter of Daughters of the King at St. Matthew’s parish, Bellaire, Texas, where she also served as a trained pastoral counselor. She was later a member of the St. Veronica chapter at Christ Church in Gilbertsville, New York. She was involved in Christian Education and Heart-to-Heart Bible Study in Norwich, as well as several Bible studies and fellowship groups. If someone came to the door with no place to stay, she took them in. If they needed food or clothing, she fed and clothed them. Betty never met a stranger, unselfishly showing forth God’s love to all His people.
Betty was proud of her Norwegian heritage, and was a long-time member of The Sons of Norway, including being a founding member of the ”Ensom Stjerne” (Lone Star) chapter in Houston, Texas.
Betty’s home going celebration will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 17, at St. Paul’s Church in Oxford, with The Rt. Rev. Daniel Herzog, Assistant Bishop of Albany, officiating. Interment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Oxford. The family will receive friends and relatives in St. Paul’s parish hall immediately thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, Betty has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Christ Church, PO Box 345, Gilbertsville, NY 13776.
“Blessed are the dead who die in The Lord. Even so says the Spirit, for they shall rest from their labors,” (Rev. 14:13)