Betty Jean Besaw

NORWOOD – Betty Jean Besaw, 83, formerly of Norwood, passed away Tuesday afternoon August 26, 2025 at the Tupper Lake Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family and in comfort of the Lord's prayer. Born in Potsdam, NY on September 9, 1941 to the late Harold R. and Ivadelle (Kirkey) Cota, Betty attended High School in Massena, NY and married Andrew E. Besaw on September 8, 1962. Andrew later passed away on August 27, 1994. Betty worked for many years for PACES Food Service at SUNY Potsdam. She was an avid bowler, belonging to the women's league at Market Lanes for many years. She was also a catechism teacher at St. Andrew's Parish and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Betty is survived by her four children, Jeannie Greene and her companion Brian Pavlus, Tupper Lake; Mark E. Besaw, Norwood; James Besaw, Bonham TX; and Julie Anne and Scott McCormick, Plattsburgh; her seven beloved grandchildren, Leanne Greene, Erica James with Fiancé Joseph Kelly, Elliot, Madisyn, Scotlyn, and Katelyn McCormick and Tiffany McDonald. Six great-grandchildren. Taylor, Emeric, Jackson, Xavier, Zoe and Ivy. Betty is also survived by her six siblings, Robert and MaryEllen Cota, Rochester; Phillip and Marsha Cota, California; Michael and Doris Cota, Rochester; Barbara Griffiths, Florida; Linda and Edward Molnar, Alaska and Margaret "Peggy" and William Molnar, Norfolk. Sisters-in-law, Rosey Hunter and Maggie Mello of Roseboro, North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty was pre-deceased by her husband Andrew E. Besaw, parents, Harold and Ivadelle Cota, her daughter in law Toni Besaw, and four brothers in law Robert, Michael, John and Richard Besaw. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and being a Nana. In her later years she enjoyed the company of her longtime companion Gordon Perry Sr (pre-deceased) and time spent with his family as well as her friends at Mayfield Apartments, the Norwood Golden Agers Club, Massena Senior Citizens, and volunteering at Best Friends Thrift Shop. She enjoyed Bingo, trips to the casino, playing games and taking walks around the Potsdam area. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church in Norwood with Rev. Andrew Amyot presiding. Burial will follow the services in Calvary Cemetery, Norwood with a luncheon to follow at the Church of the Visitation Fr. Andrew Amyot Parish Center in Norfolk. The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at the Cancer Treatment Center in Potsdam and the staff at the Tupper Lake Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for the love, care and support to Betty during her time there. Memorial donations in Betty's memory can be made to the Potsdam Humane Society and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Betty Jean Besaw.