Betty Jane Small

LOUDONVILLE-Betty Jane Small, 87, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2016.

She was born on December 12, 1928 to the late Victor and Elizabeth (Hummel) Kopp in Albany, NY.

Betty was a lifelong resident of the area. She graduated from the Academy of Holy Names High School and attended the College of St. Rose. On September 9, 1950 she married Joseph D. Small at Our Lady Help of Christians Church.

Along with her husband Betty was a member of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. She worked as a clerk for both the Albany County Supreme Court Albany National Guard for both the Army and the Air Force.

Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. When her daughter returned to work she happily volunteered to care for Dean from 3 months old through kindergarten. The bond between Betty and Dean never wavered even as he was out of the area stationed at the Eglin Air Force Base in Fl. "Tootsie" (as she was lovingly referred to by her husband) and Joe enjoyed taking vacations, dinners out and attending church together. Every summer she would vacation with her daughter and son-in-law (A.K.A. her personal lawyer, for all his help with research) and her grandson. Always active, she enjoyed dancing, swimming, shopping, exercise classes, was an avid reader and was always ready to spend time with Marilyn regardless of the activity.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Joseph ; her daughter, Marilyn and her husband Ladd Valentini; her beloved grandson, First Lt. Dean Valentini, USAF.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Drew Valentini.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be held at St. Pius X Church on Monday, September 26 at 9:30 am. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 5-7 pm at New Comer Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held immediately following Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to the Albany Med NICU in memory of her grandson, Drew.