Obituary of Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth “Bettie” Smith passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021 at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. Bettie was born on July 3, 1926 in Sydney, Australia where she grew up an only child to her loving parents Gordon and Peggy Veitch.
As a young adult Bettie worked for Qantas Airlines, typing the very first passenger list for International travel for which she was extremely proud of. She also worked with the US Air Force stationed in Sydney during WW2. At age 21 Bettie wed Hal Hallett and became a devoted mother to two daughters, Margaret and Chris. In the early 70’s Bettie married her second husband Cliff. Bettie and Cliff met while he was stationed in Sydney during the war. They spent their days together with family and friends in Ithaca, NY traveling and enjoying life until Cliff passed away in 1999. During these years she also worked in the space research department at Cornell University as a secretary.
In her later years Bettie split her time between Sydney, Ithaca and Monticello where she spent time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and dozens of friends. Bettie was an avid dancer and ice skater. She danced all of her life, into her golden years where she attended dance classes, jazz aerobics and Zumba. Bettie made many friends through her dancing classes, who still to this day adore her. She was always an inspiration to everyone around her. Bettie was dedicated to attending church every Sunday. Even in her last years she would be sure to watch Sunday mass on the “telly”.
Bettie is survived by her daughters Margaret Green (Fraser), Chris Hallett-Halperin, step daughter Nancy Kindey (John), grandchildren Libby Weiszbach (Mathew Scorse), Michael Weiszbach (Kylie), Jaed Altman (Josh), Kylie Hallett-Halperin, great grandchildren Lachlan, Harley, Olivia, Chloe, and Harper, and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Gary. Family meant the world to her, and she loved being their Nana.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 3 at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello, New York. Visitation with Bettie’s family will be from noon - 1:00pm, with funeral services at 1:00pm. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canandaigua, New York on December 4th at Noon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. To view her funeral service or electronically sign the guest book through our tribucast services use the link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8486088074.