Betty W. Pollack

Betty W. (Slocum) Pollack, 92, of Groton, passed away on September 11, 2025 at Upstate University Hospital after a brief illness.

Betty was born on May 7, 1933 in Groton to her proud parents, Willard and Winifred (Searles) Slocum. While growing up, Betty was involved with Sunday school and church activities at the First Methodist Church of Groton. She also spent time at the family camp on Owasco Lake. 

She attended Groton Central School, graduating in 1951. During her high school years, she was a member of the Home Economics Club, and after graduation, she worked in a local dentist's office.

She met her future husband Michael at a bowling party. They were married on May 3, 1952 by the Rev. William E. Hayes at St. Anthony's Church in Groton, NY. The couple took a short honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls, returning then to their home on a dairy farm in West Groton, where she lived for the rest of her life.

Betty was a devoted wife and mother. While raising her eight children, she also helped run the family dairy farm. She enjoyed being a mother and homemaker.

Always active and busy, Betty found time to enjoy her favorite activities, reading and baking. She enjoyed hosting the family Christmas gathering at her home for many years. She was always interested in hearing about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church for over 70 years. 

She is survived by her children: Ann Gillette (Rick), of FL, Christopher Pollack, of Groton, Marie Pollack, of Groton, Victoria Heyn (Heinrich), of Groton, Patricia Oakley (Francis "Rex") of NC, Michelle Filken (Jeff), of FL, Michael Pollack, Jr. (Donna), of Groton, and William Pollack, of Groton; twelve grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Michael, on June 17, 2023, having been married for over 71 years. In addition to her parents (father, Willard, February 21,1990, and mother, Winifred, April 30, 2008) and Michael, she was also predeceased by her brother, Donald Slocum on February 12, 2022.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 312 Locke Road, Groton. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 AM- 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, preceding the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. 

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Anthony's Parish, 312 Locke Road, Groton, NY 13073, or to a local food pantry.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Shurtleff Funeral Home, Groton, and condolences may be shared with her family at www.shurtleffservices.com.