Elizabeth Cleveland

Elizabeth M. Cleveland NORFOLK - Elizabeth Marie Cleveland, 92, died April 7, 2010. Betty was born March 17, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Polish Americans, Edmund and Natalie Ostrowe. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a certificate of interior decoration in 1935 and spent her life using her talents as an artist and designer, painting, working as a floral designer at Corey's Greenhouses in Shawangunk, and in her home. She was married to James Cleveland and worked by his side on their farm. She sewed, created a beautiful home, canned the produce from the farm, cooked wonderful meals for her family and farm crew and was a very active member of the Shawangunk Dutch Reformed Church. For many years, she served as the choir director there as well as participating in the church community. After her husband died, Betty moved to Sarasota, Fla., and volunteered at the Opera House there as well as working as a docent and in the gift shop at the Ringling Museum of Art. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Jim Cleveland; her brother, Richard Ostrowe; and her daughter, Mary Liz Kastberg. She was the proud mother of her two surviving daughters, Estelle Hart of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Jeanne Pettersen of Virginia Beach, who looked after her in her last years. She had six grandchildren, Signe, Orla, Tara, Tait, Jim, and Chris; and 11 great-grandchildren. She had a beautiful smile and a positive attitude all of her life. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Bruynswick, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Reformed Church of Shawangunk, 1166 Hoagerburgh Road, Wallkill, NY 12589.