Elizabeth Hennessy “Betty” Searle

Wellsville, NY - Elizabeth Hennessy “Betty” Searle of 249 North Main Street passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on March 4, 1924 in Friendship to James and Catherine Connor Hennessy. On June 1, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio she married James E. Searle who predeceased her on August 2, 1997.

Betty graduated from Scio Central School in 1942, from Rochester Business Institute in 1943 and was employed in Wellsville at Worthington Pump and Machinery Company as a secretary during World War II. After the war she became a homemaker, devoted wife and loving mother residing as the “Gatekeeper” of Meadowbrook Court for 61 years. She welcomed all who crossed the bridge and was a mother to many who grew up there.

Her love for works of charity came from her devotion to her Catholic Faith. She volunteered at Jones Memorial Hospital, Immaculate Conception School, she delivered for Meals on Wheels, was a Cub Scout and Brownie Leader, Past President of the Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society and a life time member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Betty was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and local sports supporter. She could often be seen with her friends and family at high school football and basketball games cheering for the Wellsville Lions. She will be missed as a loyal friend and fun traveling companion.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Ann (William) Hendrick, Judith (Doug) Lynch and Jeanne (Kevin) Harris; a son Patrick (Jacqueline Dean) Searle; 3 sisters, Mary Ellen (Richard) Brunell, Cathleen (Frank) Linnecke and Agnes (Thomas) Brush; a brother, Thomas (Mary) Hennessy; a sister in law, Mary Lou Hennessy;10 grandchildren, Bridgette Norton, Andrew, Kathryn, Maureen and Daniel Harris, Kelly Elliot, George Lynch, Ryan, Lauren and Gretchen Searle; 7 great grandchildren, Allison and Grace Norton, Hunter, Kalin and Holden Elliott, Esmae Gardner Harris and Parker Harris; several nieces and nephews:

Betty was predeceased by her parents James and Catherine, her husband James; her brothers James and his wife Mary Ellen, William and his wife Corinne and John Hennessy; a grandson Donald Wilson; nephew Patrick Hennessy and a niece Lennae Beatty.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 4, 2015, from 2 to 5 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A rosary will be recited at 1:30 pm by the Altar and Rosary Society prior to visitation in the Funeral Home. On Monday, April 6, 2015, friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 am followed by a Prayer Service at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Hart Comfort House, Father Brown Mission Club, Immaculate Conception School, Immaculate Conception Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.