Elizabeth 'Betty' L Chestney

Pine Plains and Rhinebeck – Elizabeth L. Chestney, 84, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022.

Betty was born May 3, 1938 in the Bronx. Her parents, Henry and Elsie Frueh, moved to Craryville where she lived her young life and graduated from Roeliff Jansen High School. She continued on to Plattsburgh State Teachers College graduating in 1959. While attending college she met her future husband, Gerald W. Chestney, they married June 27, 1959.

Gerry and Betty settled in Pine Plains and became entrenched in the life. Betty began working for the Pine Plains Central School District as a teacher in the Cold Spring and Seymour Smith Elementary Schools. She supported Gerry during his career as a funeral director with Peck & Peck Funeral Homes. Together they were members of the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, as well as several other churches in the area. She was a member of several chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and became active with the Pine Plains retired teacher’s association. She was also a member of several Embroidery and Quilting Guilds.

In retirement Betty enjoyed her travels with Gerry and later cared for him through his illness. Many will remember Betty for her incredible talent as a seamstress and needle worker. Countless hours have been dedicated to remarkable works of embroidery, quilts, potholders, pillowcases, and garments.

Betty lived her last two years in Rhinebeck where she grew friendships with several wonderful Ladies and neighbors. You know who you are, and we thank you for the blessing of friendship.

Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Bill Fitzpatrick of Pine Plains; her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Carol Chestney of Rhinebeck; her grandchildren, Bridget (Zachary) McDonnell, Scott Fitzpatrick (Kaitlyn Allen), Samantha Chestney, Matthew Chestney and Andrew Chestney; her great-grandchildren, Ella and Emmett Fitzpatrick and Aylee McDonnell; her brother Henry Frueh; and Andrea and Keith I’Anson, and their family, of Australia.

Friends may call at the Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, Inc., 7749 Main St., Pine Plains, on Monday, December 5th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 6th, 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 78 E. Market St., Rhinebeck or the Pine Plains Rescue Squad, 7 Lake Rd, Pine Plains, NY 12567.