Elizabeth Anne Velz

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Francke Velz, 90, of Wilkes Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Monday evening April 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 20, 1928, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Rosalie Drew Francke.

Betty graduated from St. Bridget’s High School in Brooklyn and Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn.

Betty was employed as an R.N. at hospitals in Brooklyn and Syracuse, NY.

Betty was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam.

She was also past president of Bishop Scully High School Parent Teachers Association, St. Mary’s Healthcare Hospital Auxiliary and a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

She was married to Dr. Thomas S. Velz on September 29, 1956. Dr. Velz passed away June 12, 2010.
Betty is survived by one son, Thomas R. Velz of Amsterdam, four daughters, Elizabeth Ann Simmons of Temecula, CA; Catherine Cope (Nathan) of Scottsdale, AZ; Barbara Erkan of Monroe, CT; and Mary Elizabeth Bardo (Mark) of Salem, SC; three grandchildren, Yaseman and Melina Erkan, Brice Simmons and one step grandson, Ryan Palmatier.

Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Betty was also predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning April 13, 2019 at 10:30 at the Riley Mortuary, followed at 11:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, with Rev. Jeffrey L’Arche, M.S. officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Memorial gifts in Betty’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Healthcare Foundation, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12860.