Betty Traynor

Ballston Spa-Betty Traynor, was taken to her Heavenly home to meet her husband, Kellett, her parents and sisters, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. She took her last peaceful breath at the age of 89, at Riverside Nursing Home and Center for Rehabilitation in Castleton, where she resided for the past 4 years. Betty waited until all five of her children were gathered in her presence before departing. Her last days were filled with visits from grandchildren, stories, song, laughter, prayers and endless goodbyes from the loving staff who cared for Betty these past 4 years.

Betty (AKA Betty Boop, Old Battle Ax, Boo Boo and Gab A$$) was born in Lancaster, New York on May 27, 1929. She was the daughter of loving parents, John and Loretta Schneeman. Betty became the bride of Kellett James Traynor in 1948. In Albany, and then in Ballston Spa, Betty and Kel raised five children.

For a brief time, Betty worked in a shoe store, for the board of elections, and as a school lunchroom monitor, but she said her greatest achievement was raising her five children.

Betty was a "comic" and "actress." One of her proudest moments was playing several roles in her local church production, The Mid-Winter Follies. Betty loved to stitch and after the passing of her husband, started a mission of stitching Jesus plaques to be given to loved ones, neighbors, anyone she came in contact with. Her mission grew and within 15 years, she had sent them to President Obama, the Pope, every state in the US, as well as every continent. Upon completion of her mission, Betty was interviewed by the Evangelist, the Roman Catholic Newspaper.

While Betty had a feisty, spirited side, she will be most remembered for being a kind soul. Even as she faced the challenges of growing old, she reached out to comfort other residents where she lived. Betty loved watching Big Bang Theory, Becker and Nanny McPhee. She was happiest when indulging in Death by Chocolate ice cream which she even enjoyed in her last days.

Those who are left to cherish her memories include: her sister, Myra Godin; her five children: Gary, Chris (Marisa), Dawn, Pamela (Tammy) and Susan (Mark); nine grandchildren: Adam, Amanda, Carrie Ann, Eric, Jeremiah, John Paul, Megan, Stefanie and Tara; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, John and Loretta Schneeman; her sisters, Arlene and Rita, and her husband of 50 years, Kellett Traynor.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 2-5 PM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 12pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Alzheimer's Association.