Betty M. Harwood

Old Forge - Betty Marie Harwood, 91, of Lake Shore Drive, a former longtime resident of State Rt. 28, Eagle Bay, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 23, 2018, while surrounded by her loving family at St Elizabeths Medical Center, Utica. She was predeceased by her son, Kenneth L. Harwood in 1979, as well as four sisters and two brothers. She leaves behind three children; Pamela Harwood Ponzi, spouse of Joseph Ponzi, Goldsboro, NC; Penelope Harwood Chernauskas, spouse of Paul J. Chernauskas, Charlottesville, VA; Theodore L. Harwood II, married to Nancy Skelton Harwood, Hollywood, MD; thirteen grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, ten nieces and nephews and many loving friends. Betty was born in Thendara, on March 6, 1927, daughter of Moses and Inez Stevens Leonard. At the age of two, her mother suffered a significant illness that required the children to be placed in the Masonic Home for Children, Utica, where she remained until the age of 14. She was the seventh of eight children; two brothers and five sisters. She is survived by her sister Inez Rudd of Boonville. At the age of 14, she moved to Raquette Lake, where she completed her education, graduating from Raquette Lake School with the class of 1945. Following graduation, she was employed at the Raquette Lake Hotel Annex. She then attended the Munson-Williams-Proctor School of Art in Utica. On January 12, 1948, Betty married Theodore L. Harwood, in New York City. In 1950, the couple moved to State Rt 28 in Eagle Bay. They were married for 38 years. For many years Mrs. Harwood owned and operated the Unique Gift Shop in Eagle Bay and was a part time tax collector for the Town of Webb. Betty possessed a love of art, poetry, and nature. Her kind and generous spirit, along with her unique sense of humor endeared her to all who knew her. Many locals will remember her by her witty and inspirational poems. Gi Gi will be greatly missed by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as she imparted her love of nature and the Adirondacks to each and every one of them. In keeping with her wishes, a celebration of her life will be held in October 2018 in the Old Forge area at a time and place to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to HASCA, Inc. P.O. Box 25, Old Forge, New York 13420. Her arrangements are entrusted to Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St, Boonville.