Betty J. Bennett

Schenectady - Betty J. Bennett, 80, of Schenectady, NY, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Sunday, October 14 at Sunrise Assisted Living, Poland after a courageous twelve year battle with cancer. Betty was born August 26, 1927 in Williamsport, Pa, a daughter of Joseph A. and Margaret L. Turner Bennett, and grew up in Youngstown, OH. A 1945 graduate of South High School, Betty attended Youngstown College. After her education, she began her life-long career in sales and merchandising. Her professional career as a buyer of better women's wear began at Livingston's in downtown Youngstown. She always credited much of her success in the very difficult and competitive field of buying to the early training provided by Mr. Livingston and George Alfred. During her forty years in the industry, Betty also worked at the Strouss Co., Sak's and the B. Seigle Co. in Detroit, Pogue's Department Store in Cincinnati, and concluded her career at the Carl Company in Schenectady, N.Y. The most fascinating and yet difficult aspects of her job were her buying trips to New York City. Betty is survived by her two brothers, Dick (Gwen) Bennett of Poland, OH, and Don (Eileen) Bennett of Boardman, OH; three nieces, Terrie Bennett and Jill Bennett both of Poland, OH., and Susan Moran of Boardman, OH; two nephews, Richard (Julie) Bennett of Painesville, OH, and Douglas (Barb) Bennett of Columbus, OH; eight great nieces and nephews; and her dear friend and long-term caregiver, Charlene DeLuca of Schenectady, NY. Betty was a member of the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church in Youngstown. She was an avid gardener and loved to travel. Besides her parents, Miss Bennett was preceded in death by her long-time companion, Hugo Weinstock. Funeral services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church with Pastor Nicholas Cammarata officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman, OH. Friends will be received Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, 3919 Southern Blvd., Boardman, OH 44512 or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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