Elizabeth Clarke Klein

Elizabeth “Betty” Clarke Klein

August 24, 1923 – January 31, 2018

94 years

Elizabeth Klein (Betty) was born in New York City, New York, August 24, 1923. Her parents were John and Sarah (Kells) Hill. Her parents were both born in Ireland; her Mother came to the U.S. as a nine year old girl and her Father came to the U.S. in his early twenties. Betty had a beloved older sister, Jean Hill by 13 months who passed away in her early twenties. The two girls had been inseparable and very close for many years.

Betty met the love of her life Martin A. Klein Jr. (Marty) at the Grace Emmanuel Episcopal Church in New York City. They sang in the choir together with many of their friends and had many memorable adventures with the choir group up to Maine. Marty went into the service in World War II, Army Air Corp and served between 1943-1946 in the India-Burma theaters. While oversees, Marty Jr. got engaged to Betty over the phone and had his Father Martin Klein Sr., present Betty with a loving engagement ring to her delight.

Betty (23) and Marty (28) were married on June 16, 1946 at St. George's Episcopal Church, Astoria, New York. They were happy to bring up their three children when they moved in 1955 to Hicksville, Long Island, New York; Martin A. Klein III, Jean E. Klein and John W. Klein.

While raising their family of three, Betty worked as an inspiring kindergarten teacher at the Church of the Advent, Episcopal Tuller School in Westbury, N.Y. Many of her students years later would come back to visit her to thank her for the inspiring excitement for learning that she gave to each of her students. Marty worked in the banking industry for over 50 years, completing his degree at New York University and commuting on the Long Island Railroad into New York City for 30 years; later working on the Island. They were an inseparable and loving couple.

Betty’s first son, Martin Klein III married Heather Hupp. Marty works as a wealth management advisor and Heather is involved with the many activities of the children and numerous philanthropic activities. They have three beautiful children, Jack, Abigail and Will Klein. All three of the grandchildren were very accomplished as water polo players where Marty and Heather spent many of their weekends. Jack attends the University of Washington and Abigail Highpoint University in North Carolina, while Will is finishing his final year at Corona del Mar High School.

Betty’s daughter Jean Klein finally met her love, Jonathan Scott, a native Californian, who spent the first five years of his life on Guam, being a Navy family. Jean and Jonathan enjoy many fun activities together including cycling and beekeeping. Jean works in healthcare and Jonathan is a management consultant.

Betty’s youngest son, John Klein married his high school sweetheart, Ann McPartlin, and live in Virginia. John is an attorney at the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C. Ann has worked as a school health aide and excelled at her number one job of being an incredible Mom; they enjoy sharing much love with their family. They were blessed with four wonderful children; twins Heather Klein (Powell) and Erin Klein (Twentey), Matthew Klein and Shannon Klein. Heather married her University of Virginia college sweetheart Harrison Powell, and is a public relations specialist. Erin (an engineer) married her husband Daniel Twentey and they recently welcomed the first great grandson, Clark Twentey (8-10-17) into the family. Matthew Klein married his James Madison University sweetheart, Kaitlin Thomas, and is a marketing consultant. Shannon Klein is a UVA graduate in electrical engineering with a determined and sweet spirit.

After 54 years of marriage, Betty’s loving husband Marty passed away July 2, 2000 at 81 (12-14-1918 to 7-2-2000). In September 2013, Betty and her daughter travelled cross country to live in sunny Southern California.

Betty brought much joy to this world with her positive and loving attitude. This is truly a celebration of a life well lived with much love!

Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.