October 24, 2009      

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Elizabeth Edna Riordan, 88, of County Route 63, died Friday at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where she had resided. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Harlow, in Sept. of this year. 

A funeral Mass will be said 1 p.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 8408 S. Main St., Evans Mills, with Rev. Mark Reilly, pastor officiating.  Burial will follow in Evans Mills Cemetery.  Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.  

Contributions may be made to the Town of Watertown Volunteer Ambulance Squad. 

Born Nov. 28, 1921, the eldest child of Garrett and Veronica West, she grew up in Redwood and Evans Mills, graduated from school in 1940. While in Redwood, she captained the girl’s basketball team, a fact that gave pride to both her sons and grandsons. 

On October 20, 1942, Betty married Harlow C. "Hap" Riordan of Perch Lake Road. They began married life in Evans Mills followed by S. Hamilton St., Knowlton Ave. and finally S. Massey St., all of Watertown. 

Mrs. Riordan not only was a homemaker but worked as a sales clerk for Empsalls and J.R. Miller, rising to manage the boys department at each store.  

She also volunteered at Mercy Hospital for 25 years. 

Surviving are two sons and their wives, Stephen and Victoria, Whitesboro, and Frederick and Terry, Burnt Hills, N.Y.; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Veronica Petranchuk and Marcella Lawler both of Evans Mills.  

She was predeceased by a daughter, JoAnn, in 1952 and a son, Stuart, in 1999. 

A special remembrance goes out to her coffee club, Pat Keegan, Nellie Gardener, Isabell Hayes and Bruni Hodge. 

The family wishes “Mom” eternal peace and to know she had a positive influence on many people.

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.






Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.