At times like this when we are deeply grieving the loss of a loved one, especially a parent, I find some consolation in the realization that GOD has GIVEN each of us the "GIFT of LIFE" for HIS purpose and when HE decides that we have fulfilled that purpose HE calls us to our eternal home !!   Thus I am grateful for the MEMORIES of having shared this "GIFT of LIFE" with Elizabeth (Betty) and her family for the 25 years that we lived next door on Noel Dr.  We moved into newly built homes the same year as Jim and Betty, starting our families there together !!!  Betty was the most pleasant person to be with that I have known, she will be missed !

For those who weren’t able to be there in person, I wanted to comment the obituary as well, as Betty lived such a beautiful life. 
 
 “… She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Jim, and her siblings Shirley, John and Carol. She attended Kensington High School and then the Deaconess Hospital Nursing program. She became a registered nurse and went on to work at both Deaconess and Roswell Park Hospitals.
 She met Jim while taking care of his father, Elmer, a World War I veteran. Betty and Jim married on January 26, 1957, at Grace Parkridge Methodist church in Buffalo. Betty had her first child in 1958 and loved being a stay-at-home mother and partner in our father's business, Grover Cleveland Press. She raised her family while bookkeeping for the business.
 Betty was very active in the Williamsville United Methodist Church. She enjoyed getting together with friends and playing cards. She was in multiple bridge groups and loved playing games.
 Betty and Jim loved to travel. They took numerous trips to Europe visiting many countries: Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, England and Morocco. On her trip to Switzerland, she was able to visit her ancestral home and connect with her cousins from the old world. Hawaii held a special place in Jim & Bettys heart. 
 After Jim's passing, Betty continued to travel, making frequent trips to Michigan and Mississippi to visit her cherished family. She loved to talk about the new friends she met on her trips.
 Betty enjoyed a good roast beef sandwich from Anderson's along with a nice sundae for her dessert. She was very fond of the trips to her chalet in Boston, NY to enjoy the hills and feed the koi fish in her ponds. She loved looking at pictures and reminiscing about the stories that go with them.
 Betty was very social and loved being around people. All who encountered her walked away with a smile. We are truly blessed to have had her as a mother, grandmother & great grandmother.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Betty was a wonderful woman, and she will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing.  Sending a prayer and love from the Lawrence family in upstate New York ♥️

I remember Mrs. Degen ALWAYS had a smile on her face and something nice to say.  The Degens were some of our favorite neighbors for 18-20 years. This was Debbie Howat's wedding shower at our home on Noel Dr. back in the day.  God bless you all as you miss her no longer being with you.  Psalm 34:18 states, "God is close to the brokenhearted..." May you feel His Presence with you.

OBITUARY

Elizabeth J. Degen

December 1, 1935 – January 28, 2025

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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