South Glens Falls

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” (Wakeley) (Oetken) Carpenter, 90, formerly of South Glens Falls, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 5, 2015, at her son Hal’s home.

Born in Glens Falls, on January 2, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Priscilla (Jones) VanScoy.

Betty graduated from South Glens Falls High School.

On June 24, 1945, Elizabeth married Harold Wakeley at the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, where she was a member for 70 years.

Her employment history includes Kresge’s Department Store, T.S. Lab Imperial Wallpaper, York Cabins and Store, Hobby Shop, Stewarts, childcare in her home, catering, Montgomery Wards, S.G.F. Dry Cleaners, South Glens Falls Village Office, teacher’s aide, Police Matron in South Glens Falls, and Continental Life Insurance Company.

Betty volunteered at many places including the Girl Scouts, 55 Alive for AARP, and Meals on Wheels. She was a devoted volunteer at her church. She and Harold enjoyed dancing with the Merry Mohican Square Dancing Club. Betty always enjoyed spending as much time as possible at the cottage on the river.

Besides her parents, Betty is predeceased by her husband Harold A. Wakeley, 2nd husband Albert Oetken, 3rd husband Colonel Frank Carpenter (ret.); three brothers Harry VanScoy, James E. VanScoy and Harold VanScoy; and her son-in-law Robert Brisbin.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Thomas Wakeley (Kathie), Priscilla Dean, Hal W. Wakeley, Paul A. Wakeley (Janis) and Holly Brisbin; her grandchildren, Leitha Davis (Rae), Melanie Pearsall (Eric), Tom Wakeley, John Coldwater (Ann), Justin Dean (Brittany), Zachary Dean (Melanie), Heather Healey (Sean), Christen Bummer (Michael), Sarah Kowalski (Mark), Joshua Wakeley, Hannah Wakeley, Robert Brisbin (Erin), and Angela Sheloski; her great grandchildren, Ryan, Linden, Lily, Jack, Robin, Sam, Brian, Julie, Michael, Gianna, Mason, Ian, Eric, Carolyn, Brenna, Ryan, Bobby, Hailey, Molly, and Quinn; granddaughter-in-law Lisa Gyurovits (Tim) and daughter Gwen; sister-in-law Ann VanScoy, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday April 10, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. To leave online condolences or to view Betty’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be conducted on Saturday April 11, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, 400 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, with the Rev. John E. Barclay, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be conducted at Southside Cemetery on May 23, 2015 at 11am.

Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, 400 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.