Obituary of Elizabeth "Betty" R. Sanford

ELIZABETH "BETTE" R. SANFORD Cohoes- Elizabeth "Bette" R. Sanford, 88 of Cohoes, beloved wife of the late Alfred G. Sanford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2013 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Troy on December 3, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Bowes) Rourke. Bette was a loving and dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed shopping for that perfect gift, trying new recipes, gardening, reading as well as sewing and knitting and she consistently encouraged her family in all types of creative endeavors. Bette relished telling her stories about growing up among the South Troy Irish in St. Joseph's Parish. She always held on to her belief that all birthdays, at any age should be celebrated with cake and ice cream, even at breakfast. She is survived by her 3 loving children: James (Kathy) Sanford of Clifton Park, Lisa Sanford and Christopher Sanford both of Cohoes, 3 Nieces as well as her beloved Rosie O'Grady, the most recent dog of the house. Bette firmly believed that there should be a dog in every house, and Rosie's predecessors are raucously helping the saints and angels welcome Bette to heaven. She is predeceased by her sister Marion Rourke Achenbach. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday May 22, 2013 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Chapel at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. Bette's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham immediately following the visitation. A special thanks to Dr. Donna Phelan for her compassion and special care she provided to Bette and to Karen Nickarz for her help in having Bette fulfill her wish to remain at home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who may wish to honor Bette's life with a donation in her memory should consider the Memorial Fund at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham, the Petfinder Foundation ( www.petfinderfoundation.com) or the charity of your choice that serves the poor in Rensselaer and/or Albany Counties. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Troy. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.