Betty M. (Van Zylstra) Cournoyer, 89, passed away Friday, June 16h in St. Camillus Health Care Center in Northbridge.
Betty leaves her niece, Linda D. Lavallee of Sutton; great niece, Renee L. Kehowski and her husband, Shaun of Sutton; a nephew, Wilburt Oelschlegel and his wife Sandy of Vonore, TN; a great nephew, K. Chad Lavallee of Philadelphia, PA; great great niece and nephew, Brenna and Jackson. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 39 years, Ulysses Cournoyer, who passed away in 1992 and her sister Dorothy Oelschlegel. She also leaves many close friends including her best friend Ruth and her dear neighbor PJ.
Betty was born in Grafton, daughter of Chester Van Zylstra and Betty McGraw. She graduated from Grafton High School.
Betty worked as a secretary for Moran Car Sales in Worcester and she co-owned and operated Esso Gas Station on plumber's corner in Northbridge with her husband. She was a member and deaconess of Union Congregational Church in South Grafton. She was also a member of the former Delta Alpha Society of the church. Betty was a trustee for Green Acres Retirement Home and a former member of the Whitinsville Women's Club.
Betty thoroughly enjoyed her congregation and shared in the operation of their thrift shop for many years in South Grafton. She also enjoyed gardening in her yard, and listening to her canary Billy serenade her throughout the day.
Betty's funeral service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Union Congregational Church, 86 Main Street, Grafton, MA 01560.