Photo courtesy of Baker Funeral Home - Queensbury
Queensbury, New York
Jun 4, 1932 – May 22, 2023
QUEENSBURY --- Elizabeth Ann "Betty Ann" Lortie, née Loughlin, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on May 22, 2023.
Elizabeth was born on June 4, 1932, in Glens Falls, NY. She graduated from St Mary's Academy, Glens Falls and the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey. She was highly esteemed for her commitment to teaching, having served as an English teacher at Hudson Falls High School for over 30 years. Elizabeth was well-known for her kind and selfless nature, as well as her great sense of humor. She devotedly provided clothing and food resources to those in need. In fact, her basement had totes of children's clothing from floor to ceiling organized by season, size and gender! She helped lead the RCIA program at St Mary's Church for over 20 years and served as an eucharistic minister. For her charitable work, she was honored as a 2017 Post Star Shining Star. Her nominator commented that "she has never turned anyone away, always finding a way to assist them. Betty Ann lives her life as an angel on earth, her message is one of love and help: she walks the walk." When she wasn't helping others, Elizabeth enjoyed bird watching, writing, and publishing young adult stories and books and traveling abroad with her cousin, Mary Deame.
Elizabeth is survived by her son, Raymond Lortie (wife Sandra); son, Brian Lortie; daughter, Suzanne Lortie; brother, James Loughlin; sister, Jane Powhida; grandchildren, Jennifer Irwin, Kathleen Lortie, Kristen Lortie, Stephanie Lortie, Steven Lortie, Rachel Perez, and Marissa Demkowicz; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Leon F. Lortie; her sister, Barbara Martin; and her parents, Raymond and Melba Loughlin.
Family and friends of Elizabeth are invited to pay their respects at calling hours at Baker Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Glens Falls on Wednesday, May 31 at 10 a.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to local food pantries or North Country Ministry at 3933 Main St, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Expressions of condolences and other family wishes are also welcome and may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.
Read MoreMrs. Lortie was a true teacher. I continue to value the support she gave me and how she encouraged my writing. I've often thought of her throughout my own teaching career and how she guided me so long ago. (HF Class of '71)
Sincere condolences to her family.
Susan (Yattaw) Stewart
May 30, 2023 | Hudson Falls, NY | Student
Very sorry for your loss. Been many years since we lived in Glens Fall but I remember the Loughlin family and graduated from S. Mary's with Jim. Will remember in our prayers.
Tom Philo
May 30, 2023 | Greenville, RI | Acquaintance
So sorry to hear of Betty Ann's passing. Lovely and caring lady. We spent many years together teaching the RCIA class at St. Marys
Linda J Nichols
May 30, 2023 | Friend
What a wonderful life Betty led - full of laughter and love. She touched many people with her generosity and we are better people because of her. Betty helped my husband through the RCIA program at St. Mary's and upon completion gave him a beautiful statue of St. Joseph and the holy family. It sits right near the front door and every time we see it we will be reminded of Betty and her caring and selfless spirit. I am so sorry for your loss.
Theresa Cheney
May 30, 2023 | Gansevoort, NY | Acquaintance
Mrs. Lortie was a real inspiration for me to become an educator. She just didn't teach about literature she encouraged us to think and not be afraid to express our thoughts and interpretations. She cared about her students as people and she followed our development throughout high school. Thank you Mrs. Lortie for your impact not just on my life but so many students. Rest in Peace. David Eagle Class of '69
David A Eagle
May 30, 2023 | School
Mr. and Mrs. Lortie, Leon and Betty Ann, were our neighbors. They moved to their new home on Meadowbrook Road with their young and growing family in the 1960's. My sisters and I were teens and babysat in the neighborhood. I often took care of the children when they were able to get out. In the summer, when she was completing her Master's Degree, I took care of Ray, Brian and Suzie. Those were busy days but fun. In my mother's final years, Betty Ann was a great comfort to her as a neighbor...
Judy Strohmeyer
May 28, 2023 | Olmstedville, NY | Neighbor
Ray, Brian and Sue your mom was the perfect neighbor for 60 years a great mom, grandmother and she enjoy dog sitting for our poodle Holly. Your neighbor JP and Sharon Guerrie
JP and Sharon Guerrie
May 27, 2023 | Friend
Betty Lortie (grandma Lortie) had the biggest heart always was willing to help.The moments I love with grandma Lortie,are traveling,seeing family. I was her co-pilot.We always listened to audio books. I absolutely loved those moments
Kristen Lortie
May 26, 2023 | Family
Betty Ann and I taught side by side for years at school. She was one of the first to welcome me to the fold. Always there with the smile, kind word and helping hand. Her advise was the best for a new teacher. We became great friends and coworker. She gave me help not just in teaching , but also in life. Your life will be richer remembering her words of advise. She was a great believer in her faith and lived her life following those beliefs. She certainly has a place waiting for her in...
Jackie Andrejkovics
May 25, 2023 | Hudson Falls, NY | Friend
