| Date of Birth | January 31, 1928 |
| Passed Away | November 22, 2015 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
BETTY S. GESSNER
HORNELL-Betty S. Gessner, 87, formerly of Maple Court, passed away, in the presence of her loving family, Sunday afternoon (Nov. 22, 2015) at McAuley Manor in North Hornell.
Born in Hornell on Jan. 31, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Jesse and Carrie Button Spalding. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her son, James F. Gessner; her grandson, Christopher Gessner and her son-in-law, David Dupont.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Betty was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1946.
Throughout the year she was employed by the former Bell Telephone Co., was a waitress at the former Sherwood Hotel and at the Hornell American Legion Post and as a switchboard operator for the NYSDOT in Hornell, retiring after 25 years of employment. She was also employed part-time, on weekends, as a switchboard operator at the former Bethesda Community Hospital in North Hornell.
Betty was a former member of the Hornell High School Association and the Hornell Moose Lodge No. 210, Women of the Moose.
For many years she volunteered her time delivering Meals on Wheels and as a driver for Faith in Action.
An avid reader, Betty also enjoyed crossword puzzles and nature, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Her loving family includes her son, Robert (Margo) Gessner of Arkport; her daughter, Debra Dupont of Dansville; her daughter-in-law, Marian Gessner of Montgomery, Ill.; her six grandchildren, Kristen Gessner and Andrea (Bill) Hatzinger all of Montgomery, Ill., Jonathan (Heather) Dupont of Drexel Hill, Pa., Erin (Kyle) Cloutier of Wilbraham, Mass., Jessica Gessner of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Robert Gesner of Arkport; her five great-grandchildren; her sister, Sue (Robert) Stevens of California; also her nieces and nephews.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Betty S. Gessner.
Calling hours and a funeral service in her memory will be held at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. 285 Main St., Hornell at a date and time to be announced later in June.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell High School Alumni Assoc., P.O. Box 135, Hornell or to Faith In Action, P.O. Box 117, Hornell, N.Y. 14843.
My Deepest Sympathies to each of you. The loss of Betty has a stinging effect on so many of her friends and former coworkers. A pioneer in communication at Bethesda Hospital but more-so at DOT in Hornell, 30 West Main. A professional and master of a switchboard. The saying “you got your wires crossed” never happened while she was at the helm. I loved watching her conduct without music. During times of failure of the board, Betty would spring into action calling out “Shine, Shine Meyers” or Tom, Tom Cornell” by use of the stairwell. Never needed a PA System because you could hear her page throughout the building. Betty would be the DOT greeter for all incoming calls. An asset for any employer. Gonna miss Betty but am so grateful that I had the pleasure of working, knowing and being able to call her my friend. RIP Betty!!!
Sadly I say goodbye to an old friend and neighbor. Betty was always chatty and friendly and will be missed.
Betty was a wonderful woman! I enjoyed working with her at DOT especially when I substituted for her at switchboard. She was a nice person to talk too and visit with. So sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Betty was an amazing lady that I was lucky enough to have lived nearby growing up. Our condolences go out to all her family!
I love you and will miss you dearly mom!!
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts to you and yours.
To my friend Betty..Your smile and friendly personality along with your love for music will live on in me forever. Please shine down upon me. You will be forever missed.
Our heartfelt condolences go out the the entire Gessner family. I knew Betty growing up on State St. and often went to her parents store.
Tracy & Lourdes Brewer