Elizabeth "Betty" Poitras

Elizabeth (Betty) J. Poitras, 94, of Plattsburgh, NY, passed away on November 23, 2022 at the CVPH Medical Center, marking the end of a generation for her extended family. She was born to Dewey P and Esther Trombly on November 20, 1928. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, George H. Poitras; her parents and her siblings, John, Mary, Herbert and Julie. A lifelong resident of Plattsburgh, Betty graduated from St. John’s Academy. She pursued a career in nursing before becoming a homemaker after her marriage on November 14, 1953.

As a homemaker, Betty focused on raising her children into their high school years. Demanding and supportive in equal measure, she participated in the PTA, made the cutest Halloween costumes, camped with the Girl Scouts, and was her children’s first instructor of skiing and driving. She chaperoned various childhood activities and was always willing to chauffer her children and friends to where ever they needed to be. (Often with some excitement because of her notorious lead foot!)

During the late 60’s Betty accepted an appointment to the Plattsburgh Board of Education, on which she served for several years. During the 70’s a temporary position during book rush at the PSUC College Store turned into a full-time career from which she retired in 1993 as a book manager.

Betty lived her best life while in retirement. At the very beginning, with characteristic diligence, she mastered the game of golf and played it skillfully into her 90’s. She spent loads of time with her young grandchildren, and proudly watched them grow into young men. She and George frequently travelled together, and with groups of friends, to resorts and golfing destinations. And, as a life-long animal lover, she cultivated her inner cat lady, improving the existence of the neighborhood cats that passed through her small corner of Plattsburgh.

Betty will be remembered for a great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit. She loved Christmas and cats and gatherings of friends and family for any occasion. She was an excellent dancer and together she and George were a marvel to behold when they lit up the dance floor. Betty’s devotion to family was unbounded and that love and spirit will stay in our hearts and memories forever. Survivors include one daughter, Elaine Jones and husband Brian of Garland, TX; two sons, George Poitras, Jr. of Plattsburgh and Michael Poitras and partner Gary Shepard of Syracuse, NY; two grandchildren, Devin Poitras of Portland, ME and David Poitras of Brooklyn, NY. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family members, as well as good friends too numerous to mention.

Betty’s family would like to express their appreciation to Dr Morrison and staff of CVPH for their care of Betty in her final days, and to Dr Richard Webber and the staff of Lake City Primary Care for the years of excellent care Betty received. We are especially grateful to our cousin Sally Sullivan for her ever-present support and advocacy with Betty’s healthcare. And our very special thanks goes out to the team of caregivers whose skill, dedication and companionship allowed Betty to spend her final years in the home that she loved: Jen Giddings, Debbie Simpson; Kylee Nolan, Diane Hotte, Connie Thomas, and Carol Dagley.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 14 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, December 15 at St Peter’s Church, Cornelia St. Plattsburgh, NY.

Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers may honor Betty’s memory by donating to the non-profit Animal Rescue and Welfare Services, PO Box 2341, Plattsburgh, NY 12901; to Elmore SPCA Animal Shelter, 556 Telegraph Rd, Peru, NY 12972, or to St Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.