Obituary of Elizabeth D. Biggs

"Betty" Elmira: Age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Betty was born in Brooklyn NY the daughter of Primula (Cronin) and James Dwyer. She was predeceased by her husband, George Ransom Biggs, son, David Biggs and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Cissie Dwyer. Betty is survived by her children, James Biggs of Pine City with his wife Jean Ann; Margy Biggs of Elmira; Wendy Leahy of Quincy MA; John Biggs of Staten Island NY with his wife, Nancy; grandchildren, Paula Biggs, Michael (Jen) Biggs, Katie (with Jim Cowles) Biggs, Ben, Will and Matt Leahy; great grandchildren, Brittany (with Adam Shields) Schiefen, Belle Biggs, Hannah Osborne and Olivia Cowles; great-great granddaughter Lily Shields; along with several nieces and nephews. Betty was a graduate of Cortland State Teachers College. She was assigned to teach in Elmira where she met and married George. Betty earned her Master's Degree at Elmira College and taught in the Elmira City Schools, Notre Dame and Sayre High School for 35 plus years. Betty then became the director of the Southside Community Center for 22 years and was the driving force in the fundraising and construction of the current building, retiring at age 80. She enjoyed summers with her family at their cottage on Keuka Lake. She had a passion for writing and politics and served as the Treasurer for the Chemung County Democratic Party. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water Street, Elmira on Sunday, January 3, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4:15 p.m. Committal prayers and interment will be at Woodlawn National Cemetery. Those wishing may make a donation in Betty's memory to the Southside Community Center, P.O. Box 4187, Elmira NY 14904. The Biggs Family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital 5th floor Skilled Nursing Unit for their devoted care of Betty over the last 5 years.