Obituary: Betty J. Flanagan, 77, Hornell

Betty J. Flanagan, 77, of Gypsy Hill Hornell, died Wednesday November 11, 2020 at St. James Hospital due to complications of MDS, a form of blood cancer.

Betty was born November 15, 1942 in North Hornell. She was the daughter of Osmer Frances Margeson and step daughter of Miriam Krusen Spencer Margeson. On August 17, 1963, she was married to Donald P. Flanagan, who predeceased her November 17, 2004. Betty had a lifelong love of learning and loved puzzles, she excelled at crosswords, word ciphers, and genealogy. She was thrilled when she found her ties to the Mayflower. Betty spent her early adulthood tending her 5 children and several extras. After her youngest started high school, she returned to school and received her Associates in Human Services from SUNY Alfred State. She worked for several years as the case manager for Adult Day Care at Mercycare here in Hornell. She learned early on that we kids tended to behave better at the dinner table when strangers were present, thus bringing about various registrants from Daycare joining us for holiday meals. Betty is survived by her 5 children: Norah Flanagan of Hornell, Mary McCormick of Elmira, NY, Carrie (Dean) Flanagan- Watson of Ward, NY, Paul and Donald Flanagan both of Hornell. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chelsea (James Weber) Morgan (Chad BanBuskirk) Watson, Justin (Anna Taft) Schenck, Tyler Schenck, Erin (Vince ) Flanagan- Davis, Darnell Watson, Madison McCormick, Alexis Watson, Grant Watson, Brent and Brayden Flanagan and a great grand daughter Breauna Weber and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her caregivers and helpers, Roxanne Flanagan and Jim McCormick and her former son in law Randy Schenck. And the extras. Along with her husband, Betty was predeceased by her parents, her sister Eloise Margeson Holt and her step sister Janice Spencer Weyand. We would like to thank Dr. Rhonda Peterson and her staff, most especially Patty Dean-Stiles, for going above and beyond in caring for mom. And the lab crew, Rosemary, Val and ladies, you don't know how much mom appreciated what you did for her every time. The crew in the infusion lab The gals in admissions, especially Mary Liz and April. All the people who donate blood Thank you, each and every one of you. To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook@brownpowersfh. The family is being assisted by Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY Due to covid restrictions there will only be a graveside ceremony at ST. Mary's cemetery at 2 p.m. Wednesday November 25, 2020 Donations in Betty's name can be sent to the Kanisteo Historical Society, Main Street Canisteo NY 14823 or to Avoca United Methodist Church, earmark for Ramps (they built mom's) 8593 Jacobs Ladder Road Avoca NY 14809