Obituary of Elizabeth W Brainerd

Elizabeth W. (Betty) Brainerd, 83, of Poughkeepsie, died Thursday, February 16, 2017. Born in Newton, MA on December 19, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William P. and Beatrice Piser Walker. A graduate of Colby Junior College, she married Richard C. Brainerd in Massachusetts in 1954. They raised their family in Peekskill, NY and Chelmsford, MA. She returned to the Hudson Valley and lived the remainder of her life there. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for the Peekskill Community and St. Francis Hospitals, and as an executive secretary for Raymond Keyes Assoc./TRC. Betty was an active church member, led Girl Scout troops in both the Taconic and Merrimack River Councils, and participated in the Tres Dias and Kairos communities. She was passionate about passing down her love and knowledge of nature. She enjoyed camping, birding, music, needlework and ceramics. She was an enthusiastic hostess who loved to express her creativity on behalf of others. She was known for her servant’s heart, her ability to anticipate the needs and wants of those around her, and for her contagious laughter and sense of humor. She had a remarkable ability to translate people’s preferences into gifts, which were always spectacularly wrapped. To Betty, everything in life was worthy of celebration. We will miss her loving, exuberant spirit. Betty’s family was her life. Predeceased by her brother Robert P. Walker of Barre, MA in 2004, she leaves behind her daughter Meg Brainerd of Poughkeepsie, daughter and son-in-law Judy and Jay Butler of Wappingers Falls, and son and daughter-in-law Bob and Cindy Brainerd of Poughkeepsie. She also leaves grandchildren Megan and Emilio Cancel, Michelle, Callie and Rachel Brainerd, and Lydia and Cindy Butler, as well as two nieces and a nephew, along with their children. The family sends special thanks to Bill and Ruth Dale, of Ballston Lake, NY, for their lifelong friendship and care. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church on Myers Corners Road in Wappingers Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. There are no calling hours. Private interment will follow in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child”, one of Betty’s favorite organizations that she supported so enthusiastically.