In Memory of

Betty

Lou

Mathis

Obituary for Betty Lou Mathis

Latham – Betty Lou Mathis, 89, of Latham, passed away at home on July 12, 2022, surrounded by her beloved caregivers and friends.

Betty was born and educated in Schuylerville, daughter of the late George A. and Mary J. Mathis. She graduated from Schuylerville High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and her master’s degree from Boston University. She resided in Schuylerville until moving to Minoa in 1953, and then to Latham in 1956, where she remained a resident for the rest of her life.

Miss Mathis was a music teacher in the South Colonie School system for 35 years until her retirement in 1993. She was also a church organist at St. Luke’s Church in Catskill, Loudonville Presbyterian Church, Newtonville United Methodist Church, and the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany (where she was also a dedicated communicant), retiring in 2004. She was a member of the NYS United Teachers and the American Guild of Organists.

Betty loved nature, music, live performances, traveling, the Boston Red Sox, and most of all spending time with friends. She was extremely beloved by many friends who even helped care for her in her final hours. That’s just a testament to the depth of love and compassion she shared with them. She kept close with a lot of her caregivers who became friends, especially Mary Abdool, Raina Nobles, and Holly Fyvie Nash (a former student of Betty’s), who were all there for her through everything. Betty had a strong faith and an even stronger attitude. She enjoyed being involved within her churches and also took pride in making a difference in the lives of her students.

Betty was preceded in death by her sister Marjorie (late Ernest) Jacob and her nephew Robert E. Jacob. She is survived by her great-nephews, Blaine Jacob and Tyler Jacob Reissner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11 AM at the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, with a visiting hour at the church before the service, from 10 to 11. Those who wish to remember Betty in a special way may consider a donation to the Cathedral of All Saints, 62 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210.