Oaklyn, NJ — Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Graham, 72, of Oaklyn, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with her daughters by her side after a brief, but painful, journey with melanoma. She was born on April 7, 1952, in Wellsville to the late James H. and Mary E. (Cregan) Graham.
Betsy graduated from the Immaculate Conception School as one of the last 9th grade classes with, from what we understand, several other Marys. She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1970 and remained friends with many classmates all these years. She recently enjoyed reconnecting at the class reunions.
Betsy loved spending summers at the lake, Rushford in her youth and more recently Chautauqua Lake. She was the perpetual organizer for the lake weeks and even enjoyed a jet ski ride last summer. She loved to waterski back in the day, but also learned to love slow, easy rides around the lake or watching the kids tubing. She loved to play cards, travel, make Thanksgiving dinner, spend time with family and friends, listen to audiobooks, and go to the movies. She was kind and loving, funny and silly, dependable, and supportive, and truly indulgent as a Nana.
Betsy worked hard all her life in various construction businesses and found value in a job well done. She was married to Stephen R. Allen of Wellsville from 1974 to 1993, and together they created Albros Builders. Steve and Betsy checked in on each other often in the last few years and made family gatherings easy for their daughters and grandchildren. The Allens embraced her always and she always loved the Allens.
She is survived by her daughters, Julie Allen (Teresa Love) of Stuttgart, Germany, and Maureen (Paul) Hillen of Oaklyn, NJ, and her grandchildren Lucas Dwyer-Allen, and Benjamin, Jackson, and Claire Hillen. She is survived by her sister Patricia Sweeney of Wellsville, and brothers Richard (Netta) Graham of Westford, MA, Paul Graham of Westfield NY, and David (Wendy) Graham of Westfield NY. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, forever family Tara Dwyer, and many friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law Terry Sweeney, and her best friend of 65 years, Mary Fagan.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 10 – 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Haddon Height, NJ. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish.
To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com
