Betsy McKee

Elizabeth Ethel McKee

Age 53, of Watkins Glen, passed away December 31, 2009 as the result of an automobile accident. Elizabeth “Betsy” McKee is survived by 5 children, Melita Greenleaf, Jason Greenleaf, Rachel Greenleaf, Michelle Benavides and David Greenleaf; four grandchildren, Alexae and Steven Greenleaf and Calvin and Alessandra Benavides; her mother, Ahava McKee; siblings, Deborah Maynard, Rita McKee, Timothy McKee, Philip McKee, Anna Mori, Joel McKee, Phoebe Morrison, Nathaniel McKee, and Jed McKee; many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. She was predeceased by her father, Robert McKee; and sister, Ruth Frouman. Elizabeth was a kind and compassionate woman who loved her hometown of Watkins Glen, and the Finger Lakes region. She raised her children on her idyllic second-generation family farm in Reading Center, and cherished outdoor activities including sailing, gorge swimming, camping, and gardening. Her latest hobby was flying Sezna airplanes above her beloved valleys, lakes, and vineyards. She was devoted to health and wellness and worked as a Registered Nurse at Schuyler Hospital and through home health care agencies; she was the first Massage Therapist in Schuyler County and taught Nutrition through Cornell Co-operative Extension. She had an avid interest in the mind-body connection to wellness and spoke passionately on this topic. Elizabeth had a deep, true love for people, taking as much of an interest in new acquaintances as dear friends, and was particularly interested in the stories of individuals with illnesses and the elderly. She epitomized the concept of giving back to one’s community, and brightened the lives of so very many people. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, January 9, from 2 pm-4 pm at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 East 4th St., Watkins Glen, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00pm at the funeral home. A reception will follow at the conclusion of services at St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish Center, 10th Street and Decatur. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Elizabeth’s memory to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830, (607)962-3100, www.sthospice.org. You may sign a guestbook or “Light A Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.