Elizabeth A "Anderson" Molli

Elizabeth (Betty) Anderson Molli, age 88, passed away on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. Although she was a two-time cancer survivor, a fall resulting in two cracked vertebrae, coupled with Lewy Body dementia, proved too much to overcome.
Betty was born in Titusville, PA, on February 1, 1938. She was the youngest of seven children born to Fred and Ruth (Clark) Anderson.
She married G. Luciano (Lou) Molli on September 2, 1961. After turning down Lou's offer for a Friday night dance, a Saturday night dance, and finally a Sunday dance, an undettered Lou said, "You can't tell me you're busy three nights in a row. I'm not asking you to marry me; I'm asking you to go to a dance." Six months later, they were married. They enjoyed 49 years of dancing, singing, and fun adventures together until Lou's passing on February 17, 2011.
They had four children whom they showered with love, support, and Christian values. Reading Our Daily Bread and the corresponding Bible scripture was the evening ritual - even if it embarrassed us kids when we had friends over. Reading a Billy Graham devotional was the morning ritual. Betty kept the same Day By Day with Billy Graham for years. She recorded milestone events in the book on the day they occurred. It was a treasure to look back at family history through her notes. Her faith, family, and country were so important to her.
Her four children survive her: Janice McCalla (Kevin) of Novelty, OH; Judy Kalnas (Joe) of Pittsburgh; Michael Molli (Susan) of Pittsburgh; and Toni Tanner (Regan) of North East, PA. She was the proud grandmother to Trey Tanner (Colleen) of Doylestown, PA; Emie Tanner Thrapp (Joe) of Colorado Springs, CO; Andy McCalla (fiancée Megan Vaji) of Chagrin Falls, OH; Jack Molli and Hannah Molli both of Pittsburgh; and great-grandmother to Bethany Tanner, with another great-grandchild expected this summer from Trey and Colleen.
In addition to her biological children, she was blessed with three step-grandchildren and their families. They are: Adam Kalnas (Kelly) of Mt. Gretna, PA and their three children - Mia, Kara, and Ryan; Natalie Kalnas Drayer (Jon) of Gainesville, VA and their three children and one on the way - Kennedy, Peyton, Cameron; Sean Kalnas (Jess) of Pittsburgh and their son, Crew.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lou; her parents, Fred and Ruth Anderson; and her parents-in-law, Ennio and Eugenia Molli. Her deceased siblings and in-laws are: Fred Anderson, Jr.; George Anderson and his wife, Nancy; Richard (Dick) Anderson and his wife Faye; and Dorothy Anderson Flickner and her husband Paul; Louise Anderson (Bill's wife) and Fred Torsell (Emma's husband). Her siblings Charles (Bill) Anderson and Emma Anderson Torsell still survive as well as Fred Jr.'s wife, Betty.
Betty lived for family gatherings and fun events. The more chaos, the better. She was not above using some white lies and conspiring to pull together a family cookout when she thought too much time had passed since everyone had been together. Following any big dance, cookout, graduation party, or wedding, be prepared to rehash the event in great detail and laugh about it for weeks. Her questions were always the same: "Did you have a good time? Aren't you glad you came?"
Following Lou's passing, we dubbed her "The Gypsy" because she had many moves. With every new stop she brought a fun energy, an all-embracing heart, and perhaps the worst joke and story-telling capabilities ever. She couldn't get through a funny story without numerous breaks for her own laughter. It didn't matter; you had no choice but to laugh right along with her.
She also carried a spirit of faith and fellowship to all of her stops, starting a Rosary club at every new place. She had a knack for gathering the most unlikely people into her Rosary groups. Within weeks of moving to a new home, her living room would be filled with neighbors - many of whom weren't even Catholic - drawn in by her warmth and open invitation to all. It was a sight to see, and she loved every second of it.
Betty graduated from Titusville High School in 1956, and she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Clarion State College. During her working years, she was a teacher, a librarian, managed a durable medical supply location, and became an award-winning insurance salesperson. Along with Lou, they owned a couple of restaurants and rental properties. They lived by one of their favorite quotes: "Let's go do something, even if it's wrong." It was always an adventure with those two.
She was a eucharistic minister for decades at many churches. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at the Bridgeville Public Library, St. Clair Hospital, and she was the head librarian at St. Thomas More parish. She absolutely loved those volunteer positions but her favorite role was being a dog sitter and babysitter for her kids, day or night. She was all about faith and family. We will miss her so much.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Paramount Senior Living, the team of hospice care nurses at St. Clair Hospital and Gallagher Hospice, and especially Mariane Fink. Your love and care for our dear Mother didn't go unnoticed and we're so grateful for you - thank you.
Visitation will be held at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc. 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Monday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Titus Church at noon with Fr. Daniel Hoffman, officiating.
Interment will be at St. Catharines Cemetery.
A luncheon will immediately follow the mass at Titusville Iron Works; lunch will be provided by Pie Works - 315 South Franklin St., Titusville, PA 16354.
Even if you're not able to attend the viewing or Mass, we'd still love for you to join us for lunch.