Betty J. Cranston

LAKE LUZERNE -- Betty J. Cranston, age 85, of Lake Avenue, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 26, 2005, at her home.

Born on Jan. 10, 1920, in Schenectady, she was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Belding) Fishburn.

Upon graduating from high school in Schenectady and Practical Nursing School in Albany, she was employed at several area hospitals, nursing homes and private duty nursing positions. She served as manager of "Health Haven," a rest home on Lake Luzerne run by Dr. Bloom in 1954.

On April 11, 1955, she married George H. Cranston at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lake Luzerne, after which she became a real estate broker, working with her husband. Mr. Cranston died on Sept. 23, 1969. Following his death, Betty returned to nursing and was employed at the Wilton Developmental Center for several years and at Albany County Nursing Home.

Betty was a pioneer in the struggle to secure rights for people with disabilities. Her desire to be released from a nursing home and be cared for at home was brought to Gov. Pataki and culminated in a bill which calls for a policy making council to ensure that people with disabilities can choose to live at home or in community settings rather than institutions.

Betty was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where she served as treasurer for several years and Altar Guild director.

She enjoyed quilting, cross word puzzles, gardening, flowers and her poodle "Mokey." She also enjoyed traveling with her lifelong friend, Carol Rider. One of their favorite destinations was the coast of Maine.

Betty was predeceased by an infant son and a step-son, George R. Cranston.

Survivors include one son, David W. Cranston of Lake Luzerne; a stepdaughter, Jacqueline Ireland and her husband, George, of Niceville, Fla.; one brother, the Rev. Barclay B. Fishburn and his wife, Ruth, of Kissimmee, Fla. and Lake Luzerne; five stepgrandchildren: Michael Cranston, Michelle LaMora, Bruce Ireland, Thimothy Ireland and George Ireland; and several stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Lake Luzerne.

Spring burial will be at Luzerne Cemetery.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Mary's Church, with the Very Rev. William Love, rector, officiating.

Contributions in Betty's memory may be directed to St. Mary's Church, P.O. Box 211, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846; Hadley Luzerne Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 215, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, or to Glens Falls Independent Living Center, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brewer Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne.