Elizabeth Strang

Strang, Elizabeth TROY Elizabeth (Betty) Berry Strang, age 89, of Troy, died Friday, April 13, 2007 after a long illness. Born in Troy on December 31, 1917, she was the daughter of the late James Berry and Margaret Butler Berry Sullivan. She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph J. Strang, who died in 1980. Betty was the beloved mother of Elizabeth Glasheen and her husband Richard of Brunswick, Joseph J. Strang and his wife Janice of Troy, Virginia Ziemniak and her husband Stephen of Latham and Colleen Asbury of Boston, Mass. She was the proud grandmother of Erin Glasheen, Shannon Brock, Tricia Glasheen, Genevieve Stinson, Janice Denio, Kathleen Gutmann, Joseph Strang, William Strang, Eric Strang, Brian Ziemniak, Jason Ziemniak, Tamara Small and Brianna Asbury. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren. Betty was the loving sister of Marie Tracy, Theresa Nash, Margaret Kropp and the late Virginia Smith, James Berry and Martin Berry. Betty is survived by her dear friend and beloved companion, Steve Nicastro. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Betty loved her family greatly and enjoyed entertaining them by playing the piano of many family parties. Her love of singing led her to join the Latham Sweet Adeline Chorus. As a member, she toured a number of states and European countries. Her love for music was only exceeded by the love of her job with the Troy School District as a teacher's aide. Betty retired reluctantly at the age of 78. She treasured each day going into school to help the children of Troy. Betty was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Church in Troy and was active in the Altar Rosary Society for many years. She was a member of the Troy Woman's Club. A woman of compassion and charm, grace and dignity, she will be missed by her family and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Theresa Gordon, Claudia McLaughlin and Community Care of Green Island for the kindness and care they gave to our mother. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Michael Wolff and his staff, Samaritan Hospital and the staff of the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County. Funeral services will be at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday from the Daniel P. Purcell Funeral Home, 510 Pawling Ave., Troy and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Michael's Church where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Troy. Calling hours will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hospice at Samaritan Hospital, 2215 Burdett Ave., Troy, NY 12180 or to St. Michael's Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180.