Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net>
on 06/Mar/2024
184.88.213.148
Betsy Joyce Currey McElroy, 78, of Middletown, NY, passed
away on February 19, 2024, peacefully in her home. Betsy was
born in Newburgh, NY to Alvin James Currey and Alice Marie
Currey on June 13, 1945, and graduated from Newburgh Free
Academy in 1963. Betsy is survived by her loving husband of
27 years, John Walter Patrick "Jack" McElroy of Middletown,
NY, and her daughter Krista Marie Heilpern (nee McCormick)
of Cherry Hill, NJ. Always hoping for a big family, as a
type 1 diabetic from the age of 18, she never imagined it
was a dream she would fulfill. By meeting and marrying Jack,
the love of her life, it was a wish that was granted with
another 7 adult children: Coleen Hayden (Robert), John
"Jack" McElroy, Jr. (Susie Finkelstein), Brenda Milano
(Tony), Denise Egbert (Steve), Brian McElroy (Kathleen),
Brigit McElroy (Mark Concilla), and Amy McGarness (Corey).
Her true joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betsy was fortunate to have 17 grandchildren with 5
spouses/partners (Patrick and John Heilpern, Kassia Yaconis
(Matt), Emily Bunnenberg, Jessica and Nick Milano, Jack
Egbert, Dani Harris (Josh), Christopher Demo (Valerie),
Kelly Wirchsing (David), Bradley, Anna, and Thomas McElroy,
Elliott and Sawyer McElroy-Parvis, and Kennedy and Benjamin
McGarness) and 12 great-grandchildren (Elijah, Kaylie, Levi,
and Rebekah Yaconis, Mark and Jack Bunnenberg, Molly, Darla,
Stella and Thomas Riptide Harris, Madison and Jake Demo),
all of whom she loved very much. It was through Betsy's love
and acceptance that the two families were able to blend so
beautifully, creating lasting relationships that will
remain. Betsy was further survived by her brother John
Currey, his three children (Dawn Kashishian (Bob), Robert
Currey, and Brian Currey (Leslie)) along with his 5
grandchildren (Quinn Kashishian (Breannen), Kori Kashishian,
Shane Kozuch (Tiffany), and Alice and Eleanor Currey) and a
great-grandchild (Gia Kashishian). As a child, Betsy grew up
in Newburgh living a simple life with her family. Many times
she fondly recounted traveling to see her brother's ball
games or playing in the lane with her cousins. From a young
age, Betsy learned empathy and compassion from her parents
which she embodied for the rest of her life. Betsy always
strived to contribute to her community and applied to her
first job at WT Grant at the young age of 15, she was turned
away and asked to join when she was 16 and legally allowed
to work. One of the happiest days of her life was when her
father bought her a Cherry Red Convertible Chevy Impala so
she could get back and forth to work. From there Betsy
prided herself on being a diligent worker, taking a short
break when her daughter Krista was born. Five years later,
as Krista entered Chorley Elementary, Betsy took a job as an
aide working with the children. She finished her career with
25 years at the Middletown YMCA as the membership director.
Betsy's love and compassion will be carried on through her
loving family and the deep friendships she built, for this,
she will always be remembered fondly in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider
donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or
Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. While many Masses
will be held in the Middletown area, Betsy's wish was for no
funeral or viewing. Arrangements are under the direction of
Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Avenue,
Middletown, NY 10940
Betsy Joyce Currey McElroy, 78, of Middletown, NY, passed
away on February 19, 2024, peacefully in her home. Betsy was
born in Newburgh, NY to Alvin James Currey and Alice Marie
Currey on June 13, 1945, and graduated from Newburgh Free
Academy in 1963. Betsy is survived by her loving husband of
27 years, John Walter Patrick "Jack" McElroy of Middletown,
NY, and her daughter Krista Marie Heilpern (nee McCormick)
of Cherry Hill, NJ. Always hoping for a big family, as a
type 1 diabetic from the age of 18, she never imagined it
was a dream she would fulfill. By meeting and marrying Jack,
the love of her life, it was a wish that was granted with
another 7 adult children: Coleen Hayden (Robert), John
"Jack" McElroy, Jr. (Susie Finkelstein), Brenda Milano
(Tony), Denise Egbert (Steve), Brian McElroy (Kathleen),
Brigit McElroy (Mark Concilla), and Amy McGarness (Corey).
Her true joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betsy was fortunate to have 17 grandchildren with 5
spouses/partners (Patrick and John Heilpern, Kassia Yaconis
(Matt), Emily Bunnenberg, Jessica and Nick Milano, Jack
Egbert, Dani Harris (Josh), Christopher Demo (Valerie),
Kelly Wirchsing (David), Bradley, Anna, and Thomas McElroy,
Elliott and Sawyer McElroy-Parvis, and Kennedy and Benjamin
McGarness) and 12 great-grandchildren (Elijah, Kaylie, Levi,
and Rebekah Yaconis, Mark and Jack Bunnenberg, Molly, Darla,
Stella and Thomas Riptide Harris, Madison and Jake Demo),
all of whom she loved very much. It was through Betsy's love
and acceptance that the two families were able to blend so
beautifully, creating lasting relationships that will
remain. Betsy was further survived by her brother John
Currey, his three children (Dawn Kashishian (Bob), Robert
Currey, and Brian Currey (Leslie)) along with his 5
grandchildren (Quinn Kashishian (Breannen), Kori Kashishian,
Shane Kozuch (Tiffany), and Alice and Eleanor Currey) and a
great-grandchild (Gia Kashishian). As a child, Betsy grew up
in Newburgh living a simple life with her family. Many times
she fondly recounted traveling to see her brother's ball
games or playing in the lane with her cousins. From a young
age, Betsy learned empathy and compassion from her parents
which she embodied for the rest of her life. Betsy always
strived to contribute to her community and applied to her
first job at WT Grant at the young age of 15, she was turned
away and asked to join when she was 16 and legally allowed
to work. One of the happiest days of her life was when her
father bought her a Cherry Red Convertible Chevy Impala so
she could get back and forth to work. From there Betsy
prided herself on being a diligent worker, taking a short
break when her daughter Krista was born. Five years later,
as Krista entered Chorley Elementary, Betsy took a job as an
aide working with the children. She finished her career with
25 years at the Middletown YMCA as the membership director.
Betsy's love and compassion will be carried on through her
loving family and the deep friendships she built, for this,
she will always be remembered fondly in our hearts. 