Elizabeth Mettler Growney of Upper Nyack passed away peacefully on August 14, 2019 surrounded by the love of her family--who are grateful to the organ donor who gave her thirteen additional years with us.
Betsy was born in Blauvelt to Thomas Mettler and Jane Waterman, was raised in the Nyacks, and after college came back to reside in Upper Nyack for the past 56 years. She attended Liberty Street School and graduated from Nyack High School in 1955 where she was on the Student Court (including serving as chief judge) for 6 years and a cheerleader for 4 years. She attended Centenary University and then spent two years at Dartmouth College where she was instrumental in running several businesses. She then spent 3 years at Harvard University where she was treasurer of the Harvard Law Wives and received a PHT. Returning to Upper Nyack, Betsy was a member of the Nyack Field Club, having joined the Field Club in 1964 where her father was an original member.
Although Betsy was kept (very!) busy raising five boys, she followed her penchant for “keeping the books” and became the treasurer of Grace Church’s Thrift Shop in Nyack, a position she held for more than 35 years. She performed all of her duties and responsibilities with alacrity right up until her final days. She also loved refereeing for girls and women’s field hockey, officiating many high school and college games over a span of twenty years until her transplant forced her to stop.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, E. Michael Growney, and their five sons: Edward (Tracey), Ken (Rhonda), Jeff (Page), Kevin (Tracy), and Brian (Johanna); she is also survived by nine grandchildren: Thomas, Ted, Mettler, Eric, Elizabeth, Brynne, Cameron, Cooper, and Tucker. In addition, she is survived by her brother Jim (Ellie), nieces Samantha and Lizzy, and nephew Chris. She is predeceased by her brother Tom.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 23 from 4-8pm at Hannemann’s Funeral Home, and services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church Saturday, August 24 at 11am, both in Nyack. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Grace Thrift Shop or the Polycystic Kidney and Liver Foundation (PKD).