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Sara E. “Betty” Arcangeli, of Hornell

HORNELL-Sara E. “Betty” Arcangeli, long- time community leader and Hornell educator, passed away on Monday April 25, 2016 at Elderwood, formerly McAuley Manor.

Born on a farm in Chemung, NY to the late Thomas E. and Sarah (Loomis) Culver, Betty graduated from Waverly High School and went on to Syracuse University, only one of three women to graduate from the School of Business. She later received her Master’s degree in Education from Alfred University.

Upon graduation, Betty worked for the New York State Unemployment Division and met her husband to be, N. Peter “Pete” Arcangeli. They moved to Hornell in 1951

Betty’s career in education began with teaching night business school in Hornell, then teaching at Lincoln School. She joined the staff at Hornell High School teaching business and instituted DECA, “Distributive Education Clubs of America”. Her students went on to compete on the state and national level. Betty then moved into her guidance counseling career; first in the Middle School, then on to the High School, retiring in 1982.

Betty was devoted to the Hornell community and did all she could to give back. Her involvement included the Hornell Rotary Club (past President); United Way Chairperson; Hornell Area Arts Council which brought in such entertainment as Della Reese, Sheri Lewis, Up with People and George Gobel. Betty liked to tell the story that George napped on the couch in her living room before his performance. She was also a member of the Board of Directors of St. James Mercy Hospital; Chairperson of the Hospital Foundation Board; Treasurer of the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary; Betty and Pete worked St. Ann’s bingo games every Sunday at the K of C for ten years; longest active member of the local chapter of AAUW; past member of the Hornell Library Board of Directors and a founding member of Faith in Action.

Most importantly, Betty was a wonderful mother and grandmother who listened and championed each of our endeavors throughout our lives.

She is survived by her two children, Elizabeth Hoffman of Albany, NY and Thomas (Barbara) Arcangeli of Kingston, RI and four grandchildren of whom she was so proud: Kristen Hoffman of Schenectady, NY; Matthew Arcangeli of Los Angeles, CA; Craig Hoffman of Coatesville, PA and Michael Arcangeli of Los Angeles, CA.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Strong Memorial Hospital and the staff at McAuley Manor for their compassionate, professional care throughout Betty’s illness. Special thanks to her friend and caretaker, Bonnie Makitra for her years of devotion and to her neighbors: Tom and Linda Cox, Jeff and Pam Kelleher and Bill and Michelle Norton for their many kindnesses through the years.

Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband Pete Arcangeli, her brother, George Culver, her two sisters: Corrine Maxon and Dr. Eleanor Young and her son-in-law, John J. Hoffman.

Calling hours are Thursday (April 28, 2016) from 5-7 p.m. at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann’s Church on Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences or remembrances of Betty are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.

 


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