Elizabeth (Betty) McTiernan, a resident of St. Luke's nursing home in Oswego, New York, died peacefully on July 17.

Born in Little Falls, New York on January 8, 1920, Betty was the daughter of Bernard Tefft and Agnes (Hartnett) Tefft. She graduated from Benton Hall Academy in Little Falls and attended Ryder College in New Jersey. She spent most of her life in Central New York, including 46 years in Syracuse.

Betty is survived by her daughter Betsy McTiernan (Hal) of Oswego, NY and two sons, Gary (Suzanne), of Great Neck, NY, and John (Annette), of Schenectady, NY as well as three granddaughters: Katherine Auleta of New York City; Meryl Branch McTiernan of Los Angeles; and Sarah McTiernan of Voorheesville, NY. Betty is pre-deceased by her son, Bob, her brother, Bill, and her beloved husband, Jack. Childhood sweethearts, Betty and Jack were married for 55 years.

One of the first working mothers in her neighborhood, Betty became an executive secretary at Community General Hospital in 1963. After retiring in 1986, she and Jack became active members of the Irish American Cultural Institute, CNY Chapter where Betty served as the group's secretary for many years.

Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. A devoted grandmother, she sought to make each of her grandgirls feel special. She loved animals, domestic and wild. Even in her 80s, she would shovel a path to the birdfeeder, no matter how deep the snow. She was also a lover of music and kept the radio tuned to a classical station all day. Betty's family and friends will remember her for her sweetness, her kind heart, and her playful sense of humor. So we say goodbye to Betty with the pretty blue eyes.

The service will be private. The family suggests contributions be sent to a local Hospice.