Betty Livingston Obituary

Betty Ann Livingston died peacefully at home on Friday, April 21. She was 83. Betty Ann, who was affectionately known as Boop by all who loved her, adored the iconic cartoon character that inspired the nickname. It was one of the many whimsical things that made her the sassy, sully woman who was always smiling and who, when asked how she was doing, would respond "fine and dandy" in her sing-song way. Anyone who knew Betty Ann quickly learned two things -- her favorite color was purple, and she was obsessed with all things related to pigs. She collected hundreds of figurines, trinkets, jewelry and small treasures over the years. In fact, when her family was clearing her house for her final move to a senior living housing complex, they discovered five pig inspired cookie jars - - all different! An avid animal lover, Betty Ann had many pets in her lifetime. One of her favorites was a little beagle named Daisy who followed her everywhere and was by her side for many years. She also immediately "adopted" everyone else's animals as her own -- a Dr. Doolittle of sorts. Betty Ann was then gifted a chubby, kooky Yorkshire Terrier named Sir Gilligan (Gilly) when her mother, Elizabeth, passed away in January 2018. Gilly was with her until the very end. Starting her career with the Grand Union Co. grocery chain as a teenager, she worked there until retirement some 50 years later. She loved her job working in the meat department at both the Hudson Falls and Fort Edward stores. It was in this realm where she thrived each day, happily chatting with employees, customers and her bosses aka "the suits" alike. To her there were no hierarchies -- everyone was an equal. Betty Ann went to Fort Edward schools and spent most of her adult life in Fort Ann, except for a few years in North Carolina when her husband was stationed there in the military. The last three years Betty Ann was residing in a senior living complex in Whitehall, where she and Gilly made many friends and established a close-knit community while living there. She loved to visit with her neighbors, play Bingo and put her puzzles together. The family is very grateful for the love and support these wonderful friends provided to Boop, especially in her final days. Betty Ann was unabashed in public. Whether it was five minutes in a retail store checkout line or two hours at a restaurant enjoying a burger (but never a beer) she made strangers into friends who were enamored with her antics and sense of humor. A diehard sports enthusiast, Betty Ann was a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins for many years. She then went on to cheer for the New England Patriots, being especially fond of Tom Brady. She loved the Boston Red Sox -- much to the chagrin of her New York Yankee loving family. She also routinely watched NASCAR races, her favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. She also loyally supported the Florida Gators. But she was happiest being on the sidelines, cheering on her great nieces and nephews during their sporting events. Betty Ann enjoyed country music the most but would happily sing along to any song playing in the car with others. Even when she didn't know the words, she would pretend she did and sing whatever words came to mind. Her favorite artist was Toby Keith and was thrilled to visit his bar/restaurant in Gillette Stadium a few years ago. Betty Ann's fondest memories were when she spent time with family, especially her nieces and nephews. She loved visiting York Beach, Maine and watching the planes at Logan Airport from Castle Island, happily sitting with an ice cream cone. Boop never missed a dance recital, a graduation or birthday celebration where she could spread her special kind of joy and laughter to everyone present. Oh, and of course family gatherings were never complete without Betty Ann's infamous macaroni salad -- with sliced egg and paprika as the finishing touches. In addition to her mother, Betty Ann was predeceased by her father (George Sr. ), her brothers Harold and George, Jr. as well as her sister, Catherine Phelps. Betty Ann had no children, but treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. It is a special thought that Boop was greeted by all of the animals she adored who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge including Oskar the chihuahua, Kodiak the black lab, Fluffy the sweet kitty, as well as Sasha and all of her mixed breed siblings -- Camille, Binx ("the brown one") and Nina. As the last Pierce of her generation to pass, she is surely also laughing and communing with all whom she has missed so dearly -- humans and animals alike. At Betty Ann's request, there will be no calling hours. No services are scheduled at this time, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family encourages loved ones to share stories so that they can continue to honor her memory and serve as a comfort for all who are suffering from this tough loss. Arrangements are in the care of the M. B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward NY 12828.