Betty J. Papa

Betty J. Papa passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on January 5, 2026. She was surrounded by friends and family.

Betty, the youngest of three siblings, was born Betty Jeanine Snow in 1931 to parents Edgar and Mildred Snow in Corinth, NY

Betty grew up in a modest home with very little, which taught her to appreciate family and value friendships.

After graduating from Corinth Central High School, Betty worked a few odd jobs and ultimately took on the biggest job of her life...raising her son, Andrew Hapeman.

Betty poured her heart and soul into her son, working many years as a single mom.

During the 1960's, Betty began a lifelong love of fashion when she started working at The Berkshire Coat Factory.

She always had kind words, " I love your sweater"...generally followed by "Who made that?" (i.e. Ralph Lauren, Hilfiger, etc.). Betty was always, friendly, kind and generous.

She loved good music, good books and above all, Betty loved animals. She donated a lot of her free time working with Eleanor Sonsini in the 1970's, volunteering at the local animal shelter.

Later in life, Betty became a New York Yankees baseball expert... following every game and every player. Betty was an independent, positive, free spirit who will be greatly missed by everyone she came in contact with.

Betty is survived by one son, Andrew Hapeman and his wife Carolyn of Loudonville, NY as well as one grandson, Quintin Hapeman Betty was predeceased by her brothers Raymond and William Snow as well as the father of her son, Quintin Hapeman.

In lieu of flowers, please donate your time or money to the Berkshire Humane Society or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the Watervliet-Colonie Elks #1500, 501 4th Avenue, Watervliet, NY 12189 on Sunday February 15, 2026 from Noon until 4pm. 

"Betty, I'll drive careful...don't worry about it."