Elizabeth M Babenzien

Elizabeth M. Babenzien, 86, a resident of Newark Valley for 61 years, died at home on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Oscar E. Babenzien, son Mark Babenzien and wife Kim, daughters Susan Symula and husband Ed, and Sherry Asfoury and husband Fred, sister-in-law Harriett Wyckoff, and cousin Ruth Denhard. She is also survived by her grandchildren Fred M., Julie, Pete, Greg, David, Brian, James, and great grandchildren Nick, Jonathan, Michael, Carmela, Jessica, Nathan and Grace. She will be met in heaven by the Asfoury twins, infant great grandson and great granddaughter who went before her in 2002.Bette was an elementary teacher in the Newark Valley School District for 25 years, retiring in 1980. She was a champion for children and strongly felt that every child was special. Those most special to her were children who did not have the confidence to believe in themselves. Her legacy will live on through the hundreds of children she taught and families whose lives she touched. She shared her artistic talents of sewing, knitting, quilting, porcelain doll making, painting, and ceramics by teaching others those skills and by generously giving gifts she created.Bette firmly believed in helping others. To promote that cause kindly consider memorial contributions to Project Neighbor, c/o Judith Eldridge, 6545 State Rt 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811 in loving memory of Elizabeth M. Babenzien.Bettes family will receive friends on Sunday Feb. 22 from 1:00 until 2:30 at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley. A Celebration of Bettes life will follow there at 2:30 with Pastor David Heckman, First Congregational Church, UCC, officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Hope Cemetery.