Elizabeth “Betty” Marker

Elizabeth Marker

At 4’11” she was a tremendous, quiet force. Betty never liked the word “no” and without ever being loud or aggressive she was always able to get things done. Her family was her greatest love, but theatre was a close second. For Betty it had to be Broadway, it was New York or nothing. She danced the Jitterbug and strutted to Proud Mary, cooked the best stuffing known to man and made the best breakfast in town. Though she had a driver’s license, she preferred walking and thought nothing of going on foot from Riverside to K-Mart. Her easy going ways had a calming effect on everyone and she thought it important to know how to laugh at one’s self. Her strength was maintained through her daily scripture readings, though she also like to check out the National Enquire. Betty’s happiness came from doing for others: her birthday cards were covered in stickers and she put signs of celebration all about the house. Everyone knew her as Grandmom Marker.
Two uniformed men struck up a conversation with a young Betty and one asked her out on a date. When she opened the door she didn’t find the man she’d agreed to meet. William Marker had paid him off and taken his place. The tall, good looking GI won her over. Through the ups and downs of life, their marriage always remained strong. They were blessed by three children: Dolores (Jack) Rose, Bill Marker and Elizabeth (Joe) Griffin; grandchildren, Dolores, Laura, Sharon, Michael, Ricky, Anthony, Whitney, Joseph James and Elizabeth Kelly; 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Scragg and her best friend and shadow, Theresa Wojciechowski.
Come celebrate 84 years of doing it her way, Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery.