Betty Lou Crowley Obituary (1930 - 2021)

Elizabeth Louise (Betty Lou) Crowley Horseheads, NY Went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the age of 90, surrounded by her family. She was blessed with 62 years of marriage to the love of her life. She had an indescribable ability to light up a room and always made everyone feel welcomed and loved wherever she was. Her smile was so bright and contagious. The daughter of the late Harold and Frances Sapp Ogden, she was pre-deceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Fred (Joan) Ogden & multiple members of the Crowley family. Betty Lou is survived by her loving and devoted husband William A. Crowley; children, Mary Frances (Stephen) Isherwood, William F. Crowley, Elizabeth M. (Kent) Duane, and Anne V. Crowley (David J. Wilcox); grandchildren Michael and Caitlin Isherwood, Christopher (Jessica) and Justin Duane, Sean and Via Crowley, and Emma and Joe Wilcox; one great-granddaughter, Emma M. Duane; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty Lou was a gifted writer and had a tireless passion and love for helping others. Her impish and loving spirit created a magnetism, along with the love shared with her husband, that attracted new friends no matter where their travels took them. She had a passion for seeing the world and thoroughly enjoyed adventures, far and wide. After graduating from Horseheads High School, she earned a degree in English Literature from Alfred University, at a time when it was rare for women to attend University. At Alfred, she was the proud recipient of the White Blazer award for her achievements in basketball, active in her sorority and relished all aspects of college life. Upon graduation, she worked in NYC at a major advertising firm before returning to Elmira as an executive secretary at Thatcher Glass. After marrying her beloved husband, her career shifted to her family where she devoted 150% of her love and time to her family and home, supporting her husband at every point in his career and creating a wonderful home for their family filled with love, warmth, values, and faith. She was extremely proud of her husband and children and was their biggest cheerleader and PR agent. She treasured their home in its parklike setting, with her "jewel-box" view overlooking the hills of Horseheads. Betty Lou was actively involved at St. Mary Our Mother Church for many years as a lector and Eucharistic Minister, Confirmation teacher, Cursillo counsellor, a member of CFM (Catholic Family Movement), and the sole woman on the Building Committee. She was also Chairperson of the Town of Veteran Zoning Board of Appeals. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St., at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 4-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at St. Mary Our Mother Church, Broad St., Horseheads, NY at 10AM with Fr. Christopher Linsler. As all are welcomed, we will be adhering to all NYS regulations and social distancing. Those wishing to remember Betty Lou please consider donations in her memory to Doctors Without Borders at Doctorswithoutborders.org or Donate Life America (Betty Lou was a 28-year transplant survivor) at Donatelife.net.