Elizabeth Jane Lamoy Hitchings “Betty”, 84, of Rochester Mills, PA, passed away at her home on February 24, 2025. She was born in Saranac Lake, New York on December 19, 1940 to the late Patricia (Gratto) and Wilbur E. Lamoy, Jr.
Betty met her husband, James “Jim” Hitchings in Annapolis, MD while they both were serving as U.S. Navy Corpsmen. They were married on December 16, 1960, in the North Severn Naval Chapel. After discharging from the U.S. Navy, Betty traveled from Annapolis, MD to Portsmouth, VA, to Jacksonville, FL to Annapolis, MD (again), to San Diego, CA to Port Hueneme, CA, and finally to Niagara Falls supporting her husband’s Naval career until his retirement in 1977. Their family was finally able to put down roots in Rochester Mills, PA. Betty was a homemaker and worked for the Marion Center School District as a bus driver while her children were school age. After their graduation, she began her career as an LPN for the Mulberry Nursing Home and Punxsutawney Area Hospital until her retirement in 2010. Betty was a member of the SS Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney, PA.
Betty is survived by her husband and their three sons who all meant the world to her, James (Rae Ann), Jon (Liz) and Jeffrey (Rose), daughter-in-law Lisa and former daughters-in-law, Mandy, Lisa and Jeri. She was the proud grandmother to six grandsons, Adam (Heather), Matthew (Leanna), Zachary, Cody, Cory and Ryan and two granddaughters, Ryley and Audriana and the great-grandmother to thirteen.
Also surviving are sister, Mary LaMoy and niece, Valerie LaMoy, both of Johnstown and brother Pat LaMoy of Lockport, NY; Sisters-in-law, Marietta LaMoy and Sandy LaMoy and Brothers-in-law Evan Hitchings and Bob (Jan) Hitchings, along with many nieces and nephews. Betty is now rejoicing with her parents and other siblings in heaven, Bob Kennedy, Bill LaMoy, Mac LaMoy, Gene LaMoy, Janet Downey, and Harry LaMoy.
Betty was a wonderful storyteller and would often talk of her childhood where she and her siblings shared many adventures. She loved people from all walks of life and would go out of her way to help anyone in need. She often said her rosary on behalf of those that entered her life. For many summers, she worked with the Fresh Air organization to bring children from New York City to the country. She was most fond of two of these children, Keisha and Keith. Betty also stayed in touch with the children she sponsored through Compassion as adults. She and her husband also spent many summers entertaining their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and opened their home to many foster animals.
Betty was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She will be dearly missed. To keep with her wishes, no public services will be held. A Catholic mass and memorial service will be planned at the convenience of her family.
To honor her memory, donations may be made to the Creekside Volunteer Fire Department, Creekside, PA or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left by visiting evergreencremations.net.
