Huntersland – Elizabeth Petricek, 89, of Huntersland Road, died Saturday, August 05, 2017 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital.

Betty was born on June 20, 1928 in Czechoslovakia to Anna (Jezo) and Michael Hargas.

Betty grew up in a war-torn Europe until the Red Cross rescued her at 17 and reunited her with family in America.  She became a naturalized citizen and grew into a fiercely independent woman.

With a zest for life, Betty's talents included cooking, which she did for Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher, baking wedding cakes, crocheting, needle point, raising farm animals, gardening, and making delicious wines that were favored by family and friends.

She attended the Huntersland United Methodist Church and enjoyed helping anyone in need, even welcoming stray animals into her care.

Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband John Petricek; sister: Emilia Hargas; aunt and uncle: Betty and John Orlick.

Betty will always be held in the hearts of her daughter: Jo-Ann (Dwight) Sands of Terryville, CT; her grandchildren: Robert Manzone, Steven (Jodi) Manzone, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Manzone, Nicole (Kevin) Miner; her great-grandchildren: Scott Manzone, Elizabeth Manzone, Tyler Manzone, her beloved miniature poodle, Rosie and many extended family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh. Burial will follow in Middleburgh Cemetery.  All are invited to a visitation, from 10-11AM on Wednesday, prior to the service.

Memorials in Betty's memory may be made to the Marathon For A Better Life, PO Box 268 Warnerville, NY  12187.