Mary E. "Betty Jean" Farnan Durante

With profound heartbreak, we announce the sudden passing of Mary Elizabeth Jeaniene "Betty Jean" Durante, lovingly known as "Duffer" to her brothers and family, on May 2, 2026, just weeks shy of her 86th birthday.

Born on May 30, 1940, in Poughkeepsie, Betty Jean spent part of her early years enjoying the fresh air and beauty of East Berne before her heart and home became deeply rooted in Albany, where she spent most of her life surrounded by the family, friendships, and memories she cherished most.

She was the eldest child of Eugene and Virginia (Upton) Farnan and attended Our Lady of Angels School and later Vincentian Institute. Over the years, Betty Jean worked as a teller and in retail sales at Brooks Fashions, Grand Union, and other local stores, where her warmth, humor, and gift for conversation left lasting impressions on everyone she met.

Betty Jean was the heart of our family and a true matriarch in every sense of the word. Strong, spirited, and endlessly caring, she carried herself with resilience and grace through every hardship life placed before her. No matter what she endured, she never lost her spark. She never met a stranger for long and could turn almost anyone into a conversation partner whether they planned on it or not. She could light up any room with her presence, laughter, and unmistakable personality.

She treasured heartfelt conversations, endless thoughtful cards, poetry, family gatherings, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people she loved. Betty Jean had a way of making others feel comforted, understood, and welcomed, and rarely let a conversation end without her perspective being known.

Betty Jean often laughingly said that she would come back as a bird, a pig, or a rich person. Those who knew her would not be surprised if she is somewhere now … just as lively and observant with her spirit intact. We can imagine her in heaven, not taking orders, but rather giving them, ensuring all is running the way it should be to make this world a better place. And she would know if anyone needed that kind of supervision.

She'll once again be by the beach with her son, Michael, watching the sunrises and sunsets they loved. Sharing laughter with her brothers Eugene "Gene" Farnan and David "Dave" Farnan, and nephew Kevin Farnan. Dancing with her husbands, Joseph "Peppy" Colletti and Jimmy Durante, one at a time as she would insist. Embracing her lifelong best friend Mary Lou Coleman and her "second mom" "Lillybell" Coleman. And home again with her beloved parents, Eugene and Virginia Farnan.

Betty Jean was predeceased by her beloved son, Michael A. Colletti, whose passing in 2023 she carried deeply in her heart.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Lisa (Adrian) Karatnycky; cherished granddaughter, Larissa Karatnycky; grandsons Anthony (Bridget) Colletti and Nicholas Colletti, and their mother Debra Colletti; great-grandchildren Violet and Audrina Colletti; brothers Richard "Dick" (Lorraine) Farnan, Thomas "Tom" (the late Beverly) Farnan, and John (Kathy) Farnan and their families; sister Donna Musella; sisters-in-law Pat (the late David) Farnan and Kathy (the late Eugene II) Farnan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever carry her memory forward.

A memorial viewing service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, and interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, both located in Colonie, NY.

Donations in Betty Jean's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause she held close to her heart.

Whenever we see a cardinal, we will think of her. Whenever we gather, laugh, or speak her name, we will feel her in it. There is a spark of her in everything, everywhere, and there always will be.