Elizabeth "Betty" Challis

Elizabeth "Betty" Challis, Franklin Square resident and longtime volunteer at the St. Catherine's of Sienna Church in Franklin Square, died on June 22. She was 84.

She was born on May 5, 1933, and raised in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Here she met and married her husband, Edward Challis. They later moved out to Long Island and lived the remainder of their lives in Franklin Square. 

Betty spent many years volunteering at St. Catherine's of Sienna in Franklin Square where her children attended school. She was an avid reader, had a passion for cooking and being the caretaker for her family and husband. "We remember their love, when they can no longer remember," said Kelly Pellerin, Betty's granddaughter. "Right up until the end of her of life, we were still able to see aspects of her personality shine through. Despite her severe decline, we continued to see her stubborn independence, a disdain for being fussed over, and most notably, her magnificent sense of humor and love for her family."

Elizabeth is survived by her children Diane (Luis) O'Campo; Karen (Richard) Mollenhauer; Dorothy; and Steven (Deanna) Challis; as well as her grandchildren, Scott Mollenhauer; Sarah Mollenhauer; Alison Hansen; Nicholas Srour; Kelly Pellerin; Lindsay Srour; and Christian and Tyler Challis. Edward predeceased her on July 25, 2015.

Arrangements were entrusted to Franklin Funeral Home at 42 New Hyde Park Road in Franklin Square. Visitation was on June 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. Also on that date, a Mass was scheduled to take place at 11:30 at St. Catherine's of Sienna  Church. Interment was at Calverton Cemetery.