Elizabeth Eisengrein Meehan

Elizabeth (Betty) Eisengrein Meehan, a lifelong resident of the Utica area, passed away on July 21, 2025, in her home with her family by her side. Betty was born on May 30, 1935, in Utica, NY, to Edward Adam and Elizabeth Kilian Eisengrein. A proud product of the Corn Hill neighborhood, Betty attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1952, where she sang in the choir and in later years was active in planning class reunions. On November 9, 1957, Betty married John J. Meehan in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Utica, NY. They enjoyed a blessed union of over 63 years, sharing their love of family, faith and community service. Betty worked at the General Electric Company in the Personnel Accounting Department and was instrumental in supporting her husband (and later her son) in the State Farm Meehan Insurance Agency. The role Betty truly excelled at was being a wife and mother. Betty was at her happiest when she was enthusiastically supporting the activities of her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. She loved music (especially Broadway) and was ready for a sing-along on a moment's notice. For over 50 years, Betty was a tireless volunteer at St. John the Evangelist parish and school, where she was a member of the Mother's Club, Altar Society, Women's Club, 3rd grade reading tutor and Eucharistic Minister. She was a past member and treasurer of the Gamma Chi Society, a member of the Utica Christ Child Society and served on the United Way of Greater Utica Budget Panel. Betty was an active volunteer and member of the St. Elizabeth's Hospital Guild and she sat on the Ethics Committee at Presbyterian Home. A member of the Yahnundasis Golf Club for over 50 years, Betty enjoyed golfing - not out of competitive spirit, but rather because it was an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, and especially enjoyed the ladies 9-hole group. Betty and John also enjoyed many years of new friendships and experiences when they spent numerous winters in Grenelefe, Florida. Upon moving to the Preswick Glen community, Betty enjoyed many friendships, especially singing with the Glenaires and serving on the welcome committee. In 2023, she was celebrated as an Honorary Alumna at Utica University. Betty was predeceased by her husband, John; her brother, Lt. Edward H. Eisengrein, USN, killed in action in the Pacific Theatre on October 13, 1944, and sister-in-law Vivian Eisengrein Landis; her sister, Elaine C. O'Brien and brother-in-law John O'Brien; her nephew and godson, Kevin P. O'Brien; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marion and Raymond Belden. Betty is survived by her children and their spouses, Daniel and Pamela Meehan of New Hartford; Kathleen and Mark Angelucci of New Hartford; and Susan and Alex Smith of DeWitt. She is also survived by her grandchildren Meghan Meehan (Drew Winderl); John "Jack" Meehan Angelucci; Elizabeth "Lizzy" Smith; and Anna Smith; great-granddaughter Maeve Meehan Winderl; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Agnes and John Grygiel; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty was especially close with her niece, Mary Belden. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, July 27, from 1-3 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be on Monday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Betty's children would like to thank her caregivers who provided loving care and companionship to Betty, especially the staff at Oxford Homecare Services. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Betty's name may be made to the John '61 and Betty Eisengrein Meehan Scholarship Fund at Utica University or to Hope House (www.hopehouseutica.org). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Messages of sympathy at www.mmknfd.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elizabeth, please visit our Tree Store.