SCHENECTADY - Betty J. (Newell) McGinness, 83, of Schenectady, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 17, 2021.

Betty was born in Springfield NY on April 1, 1938 to the late Julian and Mary (Ingalls) Newell. Betty resided most of her life in Schenectady. She was the youngest of 8 siblings and enjoyed her role as the baby of the family. Often being spoiled by her older brothers.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Marston (Tony) McGinness and by her brothers Howard, Robert and Russell and her sisters Mildred, Shirley and Virginia. Betty was also predeceased by her son-in-law Anthony Valentino and her dear friends Dottie Foster and Jean Hartman.

Betty raised four children. Dorothy (Richard) Bradley, Orben Woodbeck Jr, Lola (Anthony) Valentino and Karen (Reggie) Attendorn. She worked hard to provide for her children and maintained the family home for almost 60 years.

Betty retired from the NYS Dept. of Education, Division of Professional Licensing. After her retirement Betty and Tony spent many years together enjoying family time as well as traveling, garage sales, spending time at their camp on Lake Nancy and loving their Pekinese puppy, Pigeon.
Betty volunteered at Proctors Theatre and was a member of the Rotterdam TOPS #965. She enjoyed her social outings with the ladies of the Red Hat Society. Betty also continued her love of travel by visiting far away destinations like Germany, Switzerland, England, Ireland, France, and Hawaii with her family. More recently Betty vacationed with her three daughters in Lake Winnipesaukee, NH for one final road trip.

She is survived by her loving children Dorothy, Orben, Lola, and Karen. She is also survived by her brother Julian (Tex) Newell Jr. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Jason, Christy, Tabitha, Angel, Orben III, Amanda, Lisa, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. Betty also leaves behind her dear friend Shirley Eats.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 23rd from 11:30am to 1:30 pm with a celebration of Betty’s life to immediately follow at 1:30 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens. Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations made in Betty’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or www.hospicefoundation.org. The family requests that no strong perfumes or colognes be worn and that visitors wear masks. Online condolences may be expressed at www.NewComerAlbany.com