Obituary of Betty J. McCann

McCann, Betty (Bette) Jane Fell Bette McCann, daughter of the late Nellie C. and Charles Fell of Elmira Heights, died suddenly on January 17, 2014 at age 82. She was predeceased by her husband, Roger A. McCann in 2007 during their 56th year of marriage; by her brother, Mike Fell; and by her brothers-in-law Carl Castiglione and William, Richard and Robert McCann. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Lari Jo) of Binghamton, NY, David of Port Washington, NY and Jeffrey (Cheryl) of Lewes, DE. She leaves three grandchildren: Louis of Binghamton, NY, Madeline of Lewes, DE and Max of Horseheads, NY, along with his mother, Terry McCann. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Castiglione of West Bloomfield, MI, her sisters-in-law, Joan (Edward) Warner of Charlotte, NC, Lois McCann of St. Petersburg, FL, and Christine Fell of Greenwood, IN, and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Bette will be remembered by her loved ones as a beach walker, bridge player, delighted grandmother, baker of heavenly pies, tennis fan, movie lover, scofflaw, “Mother” to her children, and “Bette” to all the rest. Night nurse, avid knitter, Jackie Robinson worshipper, bibliophile. Bette and Roger played gracious and frequent hosts to generations of their broad extended family and legions of friends, who would invariably go well out of their way during their travels to bask in the love, comfort and soulful conversation they found at the McCann home. Bette was a lifelong resident of Elmira Heights, graduating from Edison High School in 1948. She completed her nurse’s training at St. Luke’s School of Nursing in New York City. She worked several places while traveling with her husband while he served in the army during the Korean War, but most of her nursing was done at the Arnot-Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, from which she retired in 1992. Per Bette’s wishes, there will be no service or viewing hours. A celebration of Bette’s life will take place in the Spring, date to be announced. www.barberfuneralhome.com