Betsy Lynn Cleveland

Betsy Lynn Cleveland, 54, my wife, girlfriend and loving companion for almost 30 years, left this world on April 30, 2011 after a determined fight with cancer. In the ending moments, it was just the two of us together, just as we were on that first date at the 1981 BC Open. She was the daughter of the late Victor and Elizabeth Gazda and is survived by myself, Cleve E. Cleveland, adoring son Connor P. Cleveland, beloved brother and sister-in- law Richard and Dale Neddo, close extended family Todd, Sheryl, Erin and Kelly, and sister Cathy Ogonosky. She is also survived by several very close friends who were of great support to her. Betsy was a graduate of Binghamton High School and Broome Community College where she received a degree in Medical Office Assistance. Before marrying me, she was employed for several years by her much-loved and respected, Dr. Mayer Schwartz. After marriage and moving from the city to the metropolis of Newark Valley, Betsy left work for the joys of being a housewife. It was at this point that I fully realized she couldnt cook, didnt really want kids and didnt like cats. How life with me can change a person. She became a wonderful cook, adopted four cats and regretted not starting sooner and having a sister for Connor. We have since covered the sister thing through our extended family. Before the birth of Connor, we enjoyed frequent travels to the Caribbean where we seemed to collect an assortment of interesting friends. After Connor, our only vacation would be the yearly trek to the Magic Kingdom where between rides, I would sulk in boredom as Betsy and Connor indulged in their pin collecting fetish. In recent years, our simple life consisted of her nightly walks and occasional trips to the Downs with Holly and our evening ritual of sitting on the deck, sipping wine, listening to music and just enjoying being together. And, we did so love to watch and discuss such quality programming as American Idol and Survivor. Betsys only real vices were her love of clothes and Pandora charms. She could always find something cute in a catalogue that she just had to have and any trip I made to Syracuse would result in the buy me something look, as the Pandora Store in the Mall was only minutes from Dinosaur BBQ. But her proudest accomplishment and what shell always want to be known for was being Connors Mom. Until her health declined, Betsy never missed one cross country meet, track meet or concert. Her loud vocal encouragement during running events made it impossible to record video anywhere near her. At school concerts, when Connor played a particularly nifty drum fill, she would look over at me, grinning ear to ear, making sure that I caught it also. When Dr. Ronald Harris, of whom she had a strange affection for, informed her that the cancer was serious, Betsys first words were Im not going to see my son graduate! Well Honey, youll see him graduate and from the best seat in the house. The worst part about cancer is when youre told you have it. Then you learn to live with it. In the short time Betsy lived with it, pain may have slowed or discouraged her, but she still fought to maintain a life and a loving home for Connor and myself. As hard as the last few weeks were on us all, it is but a tiny moment in her life and will not be the moment we remember her by. There will not be calling hours and a private family burial will be at a later date. If you would like to keep Betsys memory alive, please consider sponsoring a walker or runner at the next Relay for Life event or if you are an animal lover, as she was, please donate to the Animal Care Counsel in Endicott or Stray Haven Humane Society in Waverly, NY.