Elizabeth A. Cuddy

ASHTABULA — Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Cuddy, 81, of W. 7th St., passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at home, following a lengthy illness.Mrs. Cuddy was born Nov. 6, 1927, in Hastings, Pa. She was the daughter of Edward and Mae Farabaugh and moved to Jefferson, Ohio at age two, living in Jefferson until she graduated from Jefferson Area High School. She attended and graduated from Duquesne University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.Betty specialized in high school Business and English. She began her career as a teacher at Kingsville High School, but soon moved to be one of the original educators for St. John High School. She loved her students and the satisfaction of getting through to young adults. Betty was the primary business education teacher and is fondly remembered as “my typing teacher’ by thousands of St. John High School students. She was also very proud of developing the Student Store. As a part of the business student’s curriculum, she transformed a custodial closet into a small business with the students taking full responsibility, under her guidance. She retired from St. John High in 1994, after 35 years of dedicated service.Betty had many interests. She was an avid sports fan, attending every possible event participated in by her children and grandchildren. In later years, she turned her attention to the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers, watching every game on television and knowing all the player’s names. She crocheted and made many quilts and shawls for her family and friends for Christmas and birthdays. At one time, she was an avid coupon collector, bestowing all her freebies, again, on family and friends. And finally, she loved to write, recently completing “My First Eighty Years.”Survivors include children, Thomas P. (Molly) Cuddy of Akron, Donald M. (Sherri) Cuddy of Jefferson, David (Diane) Cuddy of Ashtabula and Betty’s cherished primary caregiver and daughter, Colleen; brother, Edward (Joanne) Farabaugh of Mt. Airy, Md.; sister-in-law, Stella Cuddy of Garfield Hts.; grandchildren, Sean (Marybeth) Merhlander, Aaron Cuddy and Jordan Cuddy; and nieces and nephews, Mary Beth Waide, Joseph Farabaugh, Ann Marie Jones and James Cuddy.Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Don Cuddy; brother-in-law, James Cuddy; and nephew, Edward Farabaugh.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17th, at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, Ohio. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no calling hours observed. The family requests that you meet directly at the church for the celebration of the mass on Wednesday.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the church.THE CHILDS AND WILLIAMS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1440 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio, are in charge of arrangements.www.starbeacon.com