Betty, as she was known by friends and family alike, was born on December 21, 1937 to Thomas and Margaret (Tully) Gallery. Elizabeth grew up in the Fordham section of the Bronx with her younger brother Thomas Gallery, who predeceased her.
Betty was graduated from St. Nicholas of Tolentine H.S., received her Associate’s degree in business administration from Rockland Community College and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management from Empire State College while raising her children. She retired from the County of Rockland after 14 years of service.
She met the love of her life, Jim, while both working in banking. They were married on November 7, 1959.
After starting their family in the Bronx, they relocated to New City, N.Y. where they lived together for 56 years, fostering friendships and community ties with church and civic organizations. A devout Catholic, Betty was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Nyack, N.Y. As a member of many committees at St. Francis, including Eucharistic Minister, Women’s Cornerstone, Homebound Minister, Consolation Team, Bible Study, Tea Committee and Lector, she was known and loved for her eagerness to serve God in any capacity. In addition, she served as a Eucharist Minister for Nyack Hospital for many years and was a member of the West Nyack 2 Senior Citizen Club.
Betty and Jim enjoyed an amazing 64 years of marriage. They lovingly raised two children, James Magretti and Lisa Rockhill. In addition to her devoted husband and children, Betty is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Magretti and son-in-law, Michael Rockhill; three grandchildren, Stephen and his wife Christina Magretti, Julia Magretti, and Jack Rockhill; her sister-in-law Jennie Bologna, and nieces and nephews Maria Bologna, Lydia Bologna, Thomas Gallery, Dawn Khan, and Brian Gallery. She made lifelong friends wherever she went— laughing, loving, and leaving an indelible mark on everyone. Betty had a unique way of connecting with people and always seeing the best in everyone.
The Magretti family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital and Helen Hayes Hospital for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City, N.Y. A Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, West Nyack, N.Y., will be held on Tuesday June 4, 2024, at 11:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that Memorial donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, West Nyack, N.Y.
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