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Elizabeth Lacey Obituary
She was a graduate of Sargent College (Boston University) and Ithaca College where she received her master's degree in physical education. She was a physical education instructor at Emily Howland, later Sherwood Central School in Sherwood and East and Auburn High schools for many years.
Physical education and coaching were her passion. She coached and officiated many sports, but especially swimming and women's field hockey. While a physical education instructor at Emily Howland Central School, one of her more remarkable undertakings was coaching junior high boys basketball, varsity men's baseball and men's wrestling.
In the history of sports in the United States, very few women have taught and coached men as well as women. While coaching varsity women's field hockey at East High/Auburn High, for one stretch of five consecutive years, Betty Lacey's team was undefeated, a feat that won national acclaim by way of mention in Sports Illustrated.
She is survived by her sons, Dennis, Kevin, Brian and Sean Lacey and daughters-in-law, Rosemary, Gladys, Dora and Doreen Lacey as well as her grandchildren; Monica Hastings and Doug, of King Ferry, Rachel DeBois and John, of King Ferry, Alina Mulkerin and Benjamin, of New York, Alexa Lacey-Varona, of Ithaca, Devin, Kienen and Dylan Lacey, of New York, Kristin Egan and Martin, of Boston, Mass., Tim Lacey, of Evergreen, Colo., Meghan Padro and Mike, of Rochester, Melissa Dingey and Aaron, of Aurora, as well as several great-grandchildren. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very dear to her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Tuesday Aug. 14, 2012 at St. Patrick's Church, Aurora. Interment will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening, Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South St., Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Howard and Betty Lacey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 361, Aurora, N.Y., 13026.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Lacey
Marcy Klipple Torrant
September 8, 2012
Mrs. Lacey was coaching and teaching at a time when women's sports were very new to the school system. She encouraged us all to do the best that we could on the field and taught us sportsmanship and integrity. She was a mentor to all. I've played sports all my life and will always remember the life's lessons she gave me. My sympathies to the family.
September 4, 2012
The woman, the myth, the legend.... Two things I will always remember..that I was a lady before I was an athlete and the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
Godspeed Mrs. Lacey
Kiersty
Meta Riester
August 20, 2012
Dear Lacey Family,
It is with fondness that I remember Betty. She helped me when I was coaching the volleyball team at Union Springs, and I was always glad to see her come through the gym door to referee our games. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna Suriano BrownFrederick
August 18, 2012
Dear Lacey family,
My first job as a Physical Education teacher was at Auburn High, Sept. 1972! I had the honor of teaching with Betty and learned so much from her that first year. She was a remarkable role model and I will never forget how she took me under her wing and helped me learn how to teach Physical Education. Thank you Betty!
August 18, 2012
i wrote the last entry and thought i signed my name....sorry
jerry wetherby
August 18, 2012
to the Lacey family
i graduated from East High School in 1965 and Mrs. Lacey and Mr. Dick Jones were the pays. ed. teachers. Both were nice people. I didn't have Mrs. Lacey but my sister did. She had a smile all the time , was enthusiastic and energetic. Teachers like her made the day better for everyone.
Later on, Mrs. Lacey told me a story of another teacher at EHS. Her story was true, cute and funny. she told me this story when she was at Auburn High School for a relatives sports event.
Betty was unique and i'm glad she taught so many young woman. A life well lived and now on to the better life she prepared herself for. Rest in peace and thank you for being here.
Kathy Gauthier
August 17, 2012
To the Lacey family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. I will always remember Mrs. Lacey as a , coach, teacher and role model. Playing field hockey for her in high school was one of the best times of my life. I often repeat one of her favorite sayings to the young girls in sports today "remember, you are ladies first!".
RL Nelson
August 17, 2012
Betty Lacey was a remarkable woman. I'm glad to have known her and to have been one of her students at Sherwood Central. Her family can take both comfort and pride in the exemplary life she lived.
Merm Leonard, Class of '62
Ann Keough
August 16, 2012
I am very sad to hear of Betty's death. She was my High School Physical Education teacher and my role mole for my careeer iof 40 years of teaching Physical Education. I often thought of her throughout my career and said a prayer of thanks to her for her constant support and example she gave me in High School. She was sn outstanding person and teacher and gave the profession of teaching and specifically Physical Education a model that is rarely seen. I was so lucky to have her in my life. I am so sorry I was unable to go to her service but she will be in my prayers every night. You were so lucky to have her as a Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.
Ann Keough Yorba Linda, Ca. Class of 1965.
Teresa (Polhamus) Hetherington
August 16, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
August 15, 2012
Lacey family,
So sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
Karen and Glenn Cummings
August 15, 2012
Betty and Howard Lacey have always been household names in our home. My father, Allan, was one of her students/players at Sherwood School. Betty used to stop by our house from time to time to talk politics, current events...in Scipio, Ireland and in between. She even played the organ at his funeral and refused to take any money. She was an icon, always, always respected by our family.
Maria Connell, Ithaca, New York
Patty Appleby Benosky
August 15, 2012
Mrs. Lacey was an outstanding PE teacher, coach, and mentor. She taught me so much at East High School and captured my total respect and admiration for her. Many a time during a study hall or between classes, I would go to her office and she would take the time to talk with me and other students.
Yes, Mrs. Lacey has blessed so many in her lifetime. She will be missed.
Connie Murray
August 15, 2012
She was honestly one of the best and favorite teachers at AHS. She will remain in the hearts of not only her family but also in the hearts of many students who will never forget her!
Donna Perkins
August 15, 2012
To Betty's family
My most heartfelt sympathy to Betty's loving family.
I have very fond memories of Betty & Dad (Bill Binns)during little league season as I grew up.
Your are in my prayers
Donna Binns Perkins
August 15, 2012
Mrs. Lacey was truly an amazing teacher and beyond that a extremely kind and compassionate person - one that never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Nancy Walters Kelsey
Angela Colella Wooden
August 15, 2012
Mrs. Lacey was the greatest inspiration to me during all the years she was my teacher. She taught me to face adversity with my head held high. RIP Mrs. Lacey, you were loved by many.
Pat Garuccio-Reilley
August 14, 2012
To all the Lacey family,
I have just returned home from a short trip and was saddened to hear that Betty had passed. She was loved by so many people and will surely be missed by all. My love of Field Hockey continued into my college years, and was due to the enthusiasm and high expectations she had for her players. I always say,and will continue to say, I was coached by the best,and there has never been another coach like her. When I completed college and returned home to teach,it was "Mrs.Lacey" that got me into coaching and officiating just about every sport I had time for. She talked me into taking the Field Hockey position at AHS when she retired, and I said I would only accept the position if she would mentor me. I feel honored that I was coached by her as a player and a coach, and I owe all of my teaching, coaching and officiating experience to her. She always had time to listen and give me advice when I needed to talk about a game, a strategy,or just talk. I could go on, with many stories, but I feel that many of the guest book entries say it all.When I left teaching to become an administrator, I accepted a job at Southern Cayuga as an Athletic Director and Betty came to see me with a welcome gift.Once again, she helped me through those first few years before she began to get ill. I remained in contact with her through yearly Christmas Cards, and will never forget how she touched my life and the lives of all her students and players. My thoughts are with you and am so sorry I was not home to make the calling hours. Please know how blessed you all are to have had such an amazing mom, grandmother, great grandmother,and aunt, and thank you for sharing her with us.
Sandy Clancy Griffin
August 14, 2012
Mrs. Lacey was by far the best teacher & coach I've ever had. I was a player on her winning sectional field hockey team in the 70's. She taught that dedication, and hard work, coupled with humility were the keys to success. God Bless you and thank you Coach Lacey.
JoAnn Faulds
August 14, 2012
Over many years I have fondly thought of Betty and her family many times. She was an inspiration to me as a young teacher and coach. We spent many hours at the farm talking about teaching and athletics. The Lacey's will always stay in my best thoughts.
August 14, 2012
Mrs. Lacey played the organ at St. Bernards church every Sunday. She was always energetic, and encouraged everyone to sing. Thank you Mrs. Lacey for providing the music all those years!
Kathy(Green) Tuft
Krista (Bowman) and Mark Tyrrell
August 14, 2012
To the extended Lacey Family,
Betty certainly was an icon. A woman one could meet once and she made a lasting impression. I have fond memories of Betty as a child in Sean and Doreen's home and at the farm. I also have some fond (and some not so fond when she I disagreed with her officiating calls) as a Southern Cayuga Athlete whom Betty officiated! Rest in Peace Betty and may knowing that she is now in peace comfort her family!
Pamela Simmonds
August 14, 2012
I have such fond memories at Auburn High, and Mrs. Lacey. She was such an inspiration, and made every child feel that their goals could be reached.....Thank you Mrs. Lacey, and RIP.
Pamela Simmonds
Hamilton, MA
Judy Cramer Merritt
August 14, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Mrs Laceys family. She will be missed
Lori Adams Van Orden
August 14, 2012
Mrs. Lacey's energy, enthusiasm and encouragement made a lasting impression in my life! She was a wonderful teacher and mentor, and I know it was a gift...working with teenagers was not always easy. She will be missed, but know her memory lives on in all the students she inspired. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
winifred murphy
August 14, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
FRAN GAGLIANO
August 14, 2012
I WILL NEVER FORGOT YOU, MRS. LACEY, FOR ALL YOUR KINDNESS, xxoo FRANCES GAGLIANO WESTOVER
Carol Cambareri
August 14, 2012
She was a great lady and will never be forgotten....
Barbie Rhodes Rindo
August 13, 2012
Dear Lacey Family,
Betty was an icon and a woman ahead of her time. We adored her! She had unmatched passion as a teacher and coach, and truly loved what she did. Betty could break down any play in any sport during any time out and everyone knew what to do. Teamwork was her only model and we knew no other way. Several generations of Auburn girls had the distinct privilege of being one of "Lacey's Ladies". That was the single most important part of my resume that earned employment as a teacher. I am so blessed to have been schooled by your mom. She will be missed and remain in the hearts of many.
Gary Burghdurf
August 13, 2012
To The Lacey Family,
My most heartfelt sympathy to Betty's loving family. Betty was the ultimate coaching-officiating icon in the CNY sports world. Her love of sports, life and family will be cherished forever. It was Betty who got me my teaching and coaching position in Auburn, and I will be forever thankful. We spent many a night officiating basketball and volleyball together and I learned so much from her. The world really is a better place because of her wonderful presence, and my love and memory of Betty and Howie will always be with me. Dennis, Kevin, Brian, and Sean my prayers and blessings are with you and your families. Your were indeed blessed to have such wonderful loving parents.
Judy Avery
August 13, 2012
To the Lacey family,
Betty will always be remembered as a fierce competitor and teacher who taught her students well; how to play and how to lose. I remember Betty on the field hockey field - dare I say relentless, but thorough and we learned well. I didn't learn my love of sports from Betty since I also had a Phys Ed teacher for a mother, but she did leave a very significant impression and future generations will not be as lucky. She will be missed.
Richard Balash
August 13, 2012
To the Lacey Family,
Betty always made me feel at home when I visited the farm. Her pancakes were the best and she even had me drinking the well water. As years went by she always found time to chat and catch up. My prayers are with all of you.
August 13, 2012
To The Lacey Family,
My deepest sympathy's to the entire family.....Ms. lacey was a wonderful, talented and patient lady. She alwways greeted us in class with a huge smile and if that didn't change your mood then her compassion and words would!!!!! R.I.P. and may your smile brighten even more......forever in our hearts!!!! <3<3<3 Cherie Clifford Cooper
Karen Maloney
August 13, 2012
To the family of Betty Lacey,
Betty was an outstanding coach, mentor, and teacher. I attended her rigorous classes and clinics in Red Cross swimming, field hockey, basketball, and track. Her legendary standards, techniques, and personal presence in multiple sports, including swimming, impacted many young people in central New York State. Though I played field hockey and basketball at SCCS, our teams loved competing against Betty's fiercely competitive Auburn teams, and attending her clinics with her players.
Betty was a good friend and professional colleague of my mother, Kay Maloney. Mom and I are remembering Betty fondly. What a force and an inspiration she was.
Allan Wilson
August 13, 2012
To the Lacey Family and all Cayuga County Citizens,
Betty Lacey was a Class Act and one of the finest Coaches I have ever met. She worked her entire life to bring Women's and Girls Sports to a higher level. Every Athlete she coached is a better person today because of her tireless efforts. Many other Coaches, myself included, learned a lot from Betty and became successful by emulating her Coaching Standards and Philosphy. Betty will be greatly missed, but always remembered.
Pat Reuss
August 13, 2012
To the Lacey Family, especially Monica, Rachel, Kristen, Tim and Meghan: I was very saddened to hear of your grandmother's passing but also honored by the impact she had on my own life spending my summers growing up in Aurora. When I first learned how to swim in the lake as a young boy and in SCCC pool, I always remembered your grandmother whistling us in the water without delay and when she saw my scared face, she was always encouraging. I got so much out those words of coaching "keep going, keep trying" that I myself became a swimmer, lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor and now find myself encouraging my own young son, who just completed his first season as a swimmer.
Betty and I got along great working together when I was Head Lifeguard for the Village of Aurora swim & rec program in the early 90s and she always stopped by the dock to mentor and answer any questions I had with that big Irish smile on her face.
While I am sorry I cannot attend the ceremonies honoring such a remarkable woman's life due to a business trip to Argentina and Brazil, please be assured you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Betty was blessed with a long, accomplished life, and she thought the world of you all. She will be missed.
Warm Regards,
Pat Reuss
Missy Gentile
August 13, 2012
To Betty Lacey's Family,
Mrs. Lacey was one of those rare women that touches your life and you're never quite the same because of her influence, guidance and wisdom. I had the honor and privilege to be coached and mentored by her during my four years at Auburn High School. She was not only a brilliant and magnificent coach, but she was also a woman years ahead of her time. She was a kind and caring friend, and always stressed the importance of giving your best whether in the classroom or on the playing field, or in life. I will forever keep her memory and easy smile alive in my heart, and will always cherish the encouraging letters she wrote me while I was in college.
God Bless her spirit and her beautiful family. Love and peace.
Bob Lepak
August 13, 2012
To the Family,
Mrs. Lacey was always a wonderful teacher who kept us trying our best in everything we tried, with kind and encouraging words, on and off the field. She was a gift to the Auburn High students when she was there. May God bless her and her family.
judith shutter
August 13, 2012
Mrs. L touched many lifes with her high energy no nonsense approach. She held herself to the high standards she expected. thanks for sharing your mom she was truly loved and adored
Dave Rabuano
August 13, 2012
To the Lacey Family,
Your Mom will always hold a special spot in my Heart !! She always had kind words for me each time we crossed paths. Just One of AHS GEMS, that I wish everyone had a chance to meet ! May she R.I.P. and may the Lord watch over Her.
August 13, 2012
She was a FINE lady. The woman of Cayuga county grew because of her. May you find peace in knowing she touched so many hearts.
Janet Layton Walker
Moravia
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