All Condolences -

We are sad to hear of Betty’s passing. I knew that her health had been poor for a while, but death is always startling when it eventually occurs. She was a real trooper and seemed to sustain a good attitude through it all. She adored and marveled at her Jerry and all of you. I have never met anyone who had a greater gift for expansive, generous, thoughtful, and loving friendship than Betty. If Friendship is a talent, Betty was the tip of the top of the class, a virtuoso. She was observant of the needs of others and, through this, her enormous gifts of empathy, sincerity, and kindness seemed to spring. Also, loyalty! Betty was not a woman to give up on someone - on anyone actually, even if they stumbled in life or disappointed her personally. In this way, without fanfare, she exemplified the unconditional love that we Christians are supposed to embody and ‘be’ in the world. She began pouring out her loving friendship on me when I very much needed it in 1983. I was 28, a newlywed who was losing my mother in Indiana to cancer and also new to Rochester. Betty was responsible for saving me a seat and enfolding me into the 2nd soprano in-crowd at The Greece Choral Society. Her inclusive friendliness gave me a welcoming place in the choir and my first circle of friends in Rochester. The small group was eventually dubbed ‘The Horny Hens’ by my husband Lionel, because of the funny, suggestive birthday cards we exchanged. There were so many ways that Betty matter-of-factly stepped into the breach to help me, to love me, to see me, and to encourage me. Especially when I struggled with being a mother to our 2nd daughter who was born with significant health concerns and multiple disabilities. Years later, when our family moved from Rochester to California, it was the beginning of summer. Our oldest daughter, Adrienne, had just finished 2nd grade. Adrienne was anxious and lonely facing the entire summer without friends in this new, unknown place (including her birthday). Betty mailed newsy little letters stuffed with stickers and jokes to Adrienne multiple times each week that summer. For a forlorn and scared 7 year old, with only a severely disabled sister for a buddy, it was EVERYTHING and lifted her sorrowful heart. But that was Betty - seeing a need and pouring love into that empty space. I’m so thankful for Betty Wight - for her light, for the little M&M packets she kept by the front door (just in case a child or the mailman might need them), for her vibrancy and jolly laugh, and for her friendship. Rest in peace, dear friend. Sincere condolences to each of you and to all of her grandchildren, family, and friends, Deb (and Lionel) D’Luna
— Debra DLuna

I’m so saddened to learn of Betty’s passing. She was such a loving, hilarious, giving person and I think of her as my dear friend despite the generations that separated us! She was a true friend to me in my childhood and sent me letters daily during the lonely months after we moved away from Rochester to Southern California in 1993, a gesture that touched me so deeply then and now. She knew and cared about the little details of my life: my love of Parma playground, Rochester style Italian subs and M&Ms. I will miss knowing Betty exists in this world, although I know she’s smiling down and making quips about life up in heaven. Thank you for everything Betty, love you ??
— Adrienne D’Luna Directo

We are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Betty. She and Jerry were our first neighbors when we moved to Greece. Betty was always friendly and we shared many laughs. She watched as our family grew and always had M&Ms for our girls! She was delighted that our girls were musically involved, as music was such a big part of her life. She will be deeply missed. We look forward to singing with you in heaven. Love you Betty!
— Cynthia R Utter