Betty G. Youngman

Rochester - Passed away on October 17, 2023 at the age of 94.

Betty (Garlock) (Brown) Youngman was predeceased by her husband, Earl W. Brown; mother, Margaret DeVries; sister, Lina Wolford.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon Youngman; children, Janice (Al) Harradine, Susan (Gus) Gringer, Gayle (Duane Benjamin) Garrand, Lynne (Bill) Bennett, and Karen (Randy) Smith; step-children, Kathy (Rory) Fernaays, and Marlene Hall; grandchildren, Karen (Craig Wies) Harradine, Kim (Mason) Thomas, Carrie Medeiros, Jason (Amber) Seeler, Jason (Brittany) Gringer, Beau (Gina) Gringer, Neil Garrand, Amy (Jeremiah) DiNardo, Steven Earl Garrand, Doug (Cate Cornish) Bennett, Cody (Devyn) Bennett, Brandon Smith, Julie (Ian) Lewandowski, Trevor (Torie) Smith, Dan (Melissa) Hall, Carrie (Randy) Ruffel, Aaron (Abby) Fernaays, and Ethan (Jennifer) Fernaays; 34 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as friends that will treasure their memories of her always.

Betty was beloved by her family, and it is with great sadness that we share her passing. She was a loving Mother and Grandmother. Her life was filled with much joy and laughter. She was blessed that in her lifetime, she had been married to the two great loves of her life: Earl W. Brown for 44 years, and Gordon Youngman for 15 years.

Born in Macedon, NY, due to frequent moves growing up she attended seven different schools, mostly in New York State, but also California. It was hard to leave friends she had made, but she enjoyed making new ones. Her parents raised English Bulldogs with Betty and her sister Lina's help. The girls adored them! They competed in dog shows in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, winning many trophies and blue ribbons.

After graduating Walworth High School in 1947, Betty moved to Rochester for a job at Kodak. She met Earl later that year. About a week after meeting her, Earl told her she was the girl he was going to marry. She told him he was crazy, but in 2 months, they were engaged, and 2 months after that, they eloped!

With their growing family, they moved to Spencerport in 1956. They had 5 daughters, who are blessed with many wonderful recollections of growing up. Fond memories include family gatherings for birthdays and holidays. Christmases were unbelievable with the showering of love and giving. They instilled a great work ethic and sense of responsibility, but with joy – chores like doing dishes were accompanied by singing and laughter. The family was always shown to be so important. They created a very happy home environment, and worked extra hard to also enable the family to spend summers at Canandaigua Lake and later, Seneca Lake. In short, Betty and Earl created quite an idyllic home life for their family.

Betty used her skills to supplement the family income in a variety of ways. Back in the 60's, based on word-of-mouth, she did sewing alterations. She was a talented seamstress, and was later hired as such by a local dress shop. In addition to sewing, she was also a very talented knitter and crocheter. Over the years many of us were blessed with her creations and the knowledge was passed on as well. She also sold Avon for a number of years, enabling her to get to know many of the ladies in the area.

Betty and Earl were blessed with many years together, raising their family, and enjoying the grandchildren as they came along. In his last year, while Earl battled cancer, she took care of him, until his death in 1992.

In 2001, Betty went to a Walworth High School Reunion, and saw an old high school sweetheart there – Gordie Youngman. Now, over 50 years later, they reconnected, both having lost their life long spouses. They became reacquainted over time, and were married in 2008. Gordie is an extremely kind and loving man, and has always been a blessing to her, and to all of the family. As her health declined, Gordie did everything he could to help her and care for her. He is much beloved by the family.

Betty loved her family, immediate and extended, and was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family. She kept alive the legacy that she and Earl fostered to "keep the family together", even after his death. With all of her daughters and grandchildren living in different parts of the state and country, she always had a way of making each one feel special. Her love for her family has inspired and given her daughters a foundation for bringing up their own children.
She had faith in God and believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was really struggling with her health and the effects of dementia this past year. Thank God, she is now in His presence, with no more tears and no more pain. She lived a long, fulfilling life, and left a great legacy behind. She was a caring, loving and strong woman, loved by many. She will be greatly missed.


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The family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful, caring staff at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Betty's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, November 18, 2023 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Ave. Interment will be at Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Second Baptist Church, 3689 Main St., Walworth, NY 14568.

To share a memory of Betty or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.