5
trees
planted in memory of Betsy Joyce McElroy
Obituary for Betsy Joyce McElroy
Betsy Joyce McElroy (nee Currey), 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’s Children’s 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
To plant a tree in memory of Betsy Joyce McElroy, visit the Tribute Store.
Memorial Contribution
Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties
800 Stony Brook Court
Newburgh, NY 12550
Newburgh, NY 12550
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