Betty J. Horner

Betty J. Horner, 92, of Niskayuna, passed to Spirit on Monday, August 24, 2015, at the Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. Betty was the younger of two daughters born to the late Esther Carol Rocks Hillman and George A. Hillman on December 9, 1922, in Syracuse and lived most of her life there. Betty moved to Niskayuna to live with her daughter and son-in-law after the passing of her husband, Robert T. Horner, in 2000, after 54 years of marriage. As a young woman she worked in the accounting department of the New York Telephone Company. Upon her marriage in May 1946, she became a full time homemaker. Betty took great pride in her home which was always immaculate and decorated for changing seasons. Most of her decorations were handmade by herself. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts and was particularly skilled at crewel embroidery. Betty also did extensive volunteer work throughout her life from Sunday school teaching and advising the Girls Friendly Society of Trinity Episcopal Church to working for the Humane Society. For many years she was the coordinator of volunteers in the patient transportation department of Community Hospital. Betty loved being around people and over the years was a member of many craft organizations as well as maintaining longtime connections with friends and distant family. After moving to Niskayuna, she immediately became active at Niskayuna Senior Center. Betty will be most remembered for the affection, kindness and thoughtfulness she offered others. Her willingness to listen and share her loving wisdom was always honored and appreciated by all who knew her. Beside her parents and husband, Betty was predeceased by her sister, Helen Carol Beckwith Howard of Keene, New Hamphsire. She is survived by her daughter, Carol 'Chick' Horner Owens and her husband, Timothy R. Owens of Nisakyuna; one granddaughter, Meredith Carol Smith and her husband, Evan Smith of Schenectady; one grandson, Kevin T. Owens and his partner, Dana Stockbridge of Saratoga Springs; two nieces, Anne Beckwith Knight of Keene, New Hamphsire and Susan Beckwith of Wynthrop, Maine. A memorial reception will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Tailored Tea, 1010 Troy Schenectady Rd., Colonie, with a short service at 3 p.m. No doubt the greatest memorial gift to honor Betty would be to do an act of kindness for another. Those wishing to make a monetary donation in her memory might consider a donation to the Whiskers Benevolent League, P.O. Box 22290, Albany, NY 12111. www.ewhishers.com; The Humane Association of CNY, 4915 W. Taft Rd., Clay, NY 13088, Humane CNY or any charity of personal choice with thanks from her family.