Elizabeth (Betty) Molinari died on Friday August 29, 2014 in Elmira, NY. Betty was born August 22, 1919 in Elma, NY to Fred and Jessie (Hill) Gest, and attended business classes at Hursts Business School before working in several capacities as a stenographer. She later took classes at Canisius College. In 1945 she married Joseph S. Deery in Buffalo, NY, and the couple settled in Oneonta, NY. They had five children: Joseph Stephen, Mary Beth, Terry, Patrick, and Kevin. Her husband Joe died in 1961, and Betty remarried in 1968 to Joseph P. Molinari. She relocated to Elmira, NY in 2005. Betty was dedicated to her family and friends, and always strived to bring others comfort and happiness. She lived her life with style and integrity, and could always be counted on to help others. Throughout her life she contributed to her community through her participation in her church and various agencies, including being one of the first woman on the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital's Board of Trustees. She enjoyed reading, traveling, playing bridge and pitch, and spending time with her many grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her children, J. Stephen (Irene) Deery, Mary Beth (Phillip) Rayant, Terry "Mike" (Freda) Deery, and Kevin (Cathleen) Deery, Jane (Richard) McNaught, Julie Butch; daughter in-law, Karen (Tom) Boyle; niece, Donna Peets; grandchildren, Mark McNaught, Richard McNaught, Kathleen McNaught Kloss, Paul Molinari, Michael Molinari, Joanna Molinari, Sean Deery, Heather Meterparel, Meghan Farrington, Caitlin Fenton, Stephen Butch, Garrett Butch, Jennifer Frohman, Michael Deery, Anna Deery, Ella Deery, Ian Deery, Maggie Deery, Murphy Deery, and Daniel Rayant. Survivors also include 18 great-grandchildren, a special cousin, Marian Halperin as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, husbands, sons Patrick Deery and Joseph Molinari Jr., grandchildren Michael McNaught and Hope Deery, and son-in-law Raymond Butch.

A private inurnment took place on Wednesday September 3 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta NY. Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

A memorial celebration of Betty's life will be held for family and friends at St. Mary's Church at a date to be determined.

In honor of Mom's greatest joy in life of feeding and caring for family and friends, remembrances of Betty's life can be made to your local Food Bank.