Fort Edward
On Saturday, January 13, Elizabeth B. Pierce “Betty” passed away peacefully at her Fort Edward home. Just two months shy of her 99th birthday, Betty was known to many as “Gram.” She enjoyed many activities through her life – none more than spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included cooking dishes such as the infamous hamburger gravy, knitting, watching her “stories” and doing word search puzzles – as well as reading her “scandal sheets” as she called them (The National Enquirer and The Star Magazine). She will be forever remembered by many for her giving heart, her gracious attitude and her zest for life. She spent many years traveling to places like the Grand Canyon, Hawaii and many trips to Boston. She always spoke about someday traveling to Alaska. One of her favorite memories was when she traveled to Washington DC in the 60’s. Her husband was chosen to transport the National Christmas Tree there and she was very excited that she got to meet the President during an evening reception. She loved telling any new audience about her trips, recounting the joy she experienced knowing her family wanted to spend this time with her making these memories.
Born to Leon and Ethel Knowlton and raised in Upstate New York, Betty lived through the Great Depression, causing her to be quite frugal but she was generous and always gave so much to others. Betty was a longtime employee of General Electric as a capacity processing agent in the quality control department, retiring in the early 80’s. She became actively involved in both the Gansevoort and Moreau Seniors, as well as becoming a member of the Funtastic Sandy Hill Red Hatters. Betty volunteered at Glens Falls Hospital, worked for many years as a polling inspector for local elections, and was a practicing Methodist.
She is pre-deceased by her loving husband, George F. Pierce Sr., a Teamster who contributed greatly to that sense of adventure; her son Harold K. Pierce from Colorado Springs, her brothers Kenneth Knowlton (Connecticut) and Harold Knowlton (Poughkeepsie), her sister Genevieve Perry (Florida), and half-brother Clifford Hovey (Glens Falls). Betty is survived by her daughters Betty Ann Livingston (Ft. Edward), Catherine Phelps (Ft. Edward) and son George F. Pierce (Waterford), her grandchildren Steven (Boston, MA), Tracey (Cohoes), Kristen Brown (Rensselaer), Michael (Colonie), Kelly Reed (Waterford), Donna Marshall (Colorado Springs), Kevin (Colorado Springs) and Betsy (Colorado Springs). Her beloved great-grandchildren, Chloe Elizabeth (Cohoes), Kaitlin Elizabeth (Rensselaer), Brandon, Zachary and Tyler Reed (Waterford) who will miss her dearly. She also leaves behind her four-legged furry companion, Sir Gilligan (“Gilly”) and three great-great grandchildren.
Very special, loving thanks from the family go out to Marie and Jeremy Carter and their children without whom Gram would not have been able to live out her final months in the comfort of her own home. The family also wishes to thank the various medical personnel who became her support team this past year, especially the Homeward Bound program through Hudson Headwater.
A graveside service will be conducted at Gansevoort cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Those wishing to leave memories, photos and condolences may do so at www.kilmerfuneralhome.com. Donations in Betty’s name may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
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