Betty Drake Norris Wolfe Lawrance, a longtime resident of Schenectady, NY, has died at age 93.
Born in Zanesville, OH, a graduate of Columbus School for Girls and Wells College, and briefly a John Powers model in New York City specializing in hats and gloves, Betty married Gilbert Lehr Wolfe of Rome, NY and moved to Schenectady in 1940, where they raised their three daughters
Betty approached life with gusto. She was game for any adventure and organized terrific parties at the blink of an eye. She said with satisfaction many times her last years, “I have had a wonderful life. I have left no stone unturned”.
She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Schenectady, a founding member of the Queens Fort, and an active member supporter of Planned Parenthood, the Schenectady Museum, and the Schenectady Girls Club.
Enthusiastic golfers, the Wolfe’s were member of Mohawk Golf Club. They were also avid sailors, Rod Stevens and Gib Wolfe developed the Lightening Design, and Betty graced the cover of Yachting Magazine sailing Lightening #1 on Skaneateles Lake in 1935. For many years “Gib Wolfe and his all-girl-crew”campaigned their NY #1 Sloop White Lie, along the Atlantic Coast, sailing under the burgees of the Watch Hill, Edgartown, and NY Yacht Clubs.
After Mr. Wolfe’s death, Betty married Arthur Lawrance, who introduced her to his love of concerts and classical music. Together, they danced in Paris, traveled to the far North and far East, and explored exotic corners of the world. Art’s daughter, Frances, was a beloved friend and support to them both.
Mrs. Lawrance is survived by her daughters, Caroline Kostanecki of Sugarland, TX, Betsy Biddle of Mystic, CT and formerly Concord, MA, and Nancy Stead of Stowe, VT; her brother, Emmett Burley of Spokane, WA; 8 dearly loved grandchildren, John, Andrea, and Chris Kostanecki, Gibson Bittle, Nichola Bittle Elsbree, and Caroline Bittle Mackenzie, and Carl and Julia Carlson; and 7 greatgrandchildren.
A Family Memorial Service will be conducted in Stonington, CT at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in her memory to the Planned Parenthood Chapter of their choice.
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