Elizabeth Lacy

Elizabeth Lacy, 98, died Sunday, June 8, 2025, at her home in Croasdaile Village, Durham, North Carolina.

She was the daughter of the late William and Anna (Raven) Luetzel and was raised in Forty Fort. Betty, as she was known to many, graduated cum laude from high school at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston. In 1947, she married the love of her life, F. Prentice Lacy.

Betty was proud of her role as mother, providing her three children with excellent educations and broad exposure to arts, literature, nature and different cultures. She encouraged their individual pursuits while instilling high standards and the importance of work, caring for others and contributing to society.

Betty began her college career before marriage, continued coursework while raising her children, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in English at College Misericordia in Dallas. She received an honorable mention from the Atlantic Monthly's nationwide student creative writing contest.

Professionally, Mrs. Lacy was a business owner, a freelance public relations specialist and an office manager for Mr. Lacy's consulting engineering firm. After moving to Durham, North Carolina, in 1979, she was a real estate broker and later worked at Duke University library. Her civic engagement included volunteering with her church, the Junior League in Wilkes-Barre, public libraries, Duke Museum of Art and Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Betty studied the visual arts, taking courses towards a commercial art degree in Pennsylvania and continuing to paint in North Carolina, where she enjoyed the company of fellow artists. Her love of nature's beauty was expressed in exquisite drawings and paintings. She delighted in the flowers and birds that graced her garden. She enjoyed outings and parties with family (human and canine) and her lifelong friends, quiet canoe rides, sunrise beach walks, mystery novels, classic movies and public television, bridge and Scrabble.

Surviving are her sister, Nancy Boyea; daughter, Gail Lacy (Donald Hughes); grandchildren, Sean Lacy and Brooke Stephens (Justin); four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, F. Prentice Lacy; son, David F. Lacy; daughter, Anne Lacy Trevor; and brother, William G. Luetzel.

The family would like to thank friends, neighbors, staff and caregivers for their support and care in her later years. A service will be held at the Few Interfaith Chapel at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community in Durham at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Friends of the Durham County Library, Animal Protection Society of Durham, Transitions LifeCare, United Methodist Retirement Homes Foundation, or another charity of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Endswell Funeral Home.