Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Lavelle

OBITUARY

Elizabeth Betsy Lavelle passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Thursday, January 15. She leaves this world remembered for her extraordinary heart, vibrant spirit and the deep love she shared with so many. Though her memory faded over time, her essence never dimmed – her boldness, warmth and unmistakable presence remained. Betsy was, in every sense, a remarkable and beautiful woman.

Raised in the Plot section of Scranton, Betsy grew up in a close-knit family that valued music, laughter and celebration. From an early age, she developed a sharp wit and an effortless ability to form lasting connections. These qualities stayed with her throughout her life, reflected in the many lifelong friendships she maintained and the deep bonds she shared with her family.

Betsy had an adventurous spirit and a genuine love for life. During the disco era, she embraced dancing and music, remaining a devoted fan of artists like ABBA throughout her life. In her twenties, she began her professional career working for the City of Scranton. After becoming a mother to two children, she continued to grow professionally, ultimately playing a key role in administrative management for Patrick Media Group and Phoenix Cardiovascular.

After her children graduated from college, Betsy married her longtime sweetheart, Bill Lavelle. Together, they shared many travels across the United States and abroad. They roved across the country, doing everything from vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Los Angeles, California to attending motorcycle rallies in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Sturgis, South Dakota. Her favorite destinations were Ireland and Sweden, which she visited several times and held close to her heart.

At home, Betsy delighted in spoiling her beloved dog, Hershey, and mastering the provincial card game horse and pepper, where she earned legendary status among family and friends. Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother to seven adored grandchildren, all of whom lovingly knew her as Grammy.

Betsy’s life was defined by strength, determination and an enduring enthusiasm for living fully. She will be remembered as a loyal friend, a devoted wife and mother and a woman of grace and humility. She lived life on her own terms and her legacy lives on in the love she gave and the lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, William Bill Lavelle Jr.; her children, Leslie Lavelle, William Lavelle III (and wife Sarah), Timothy Calpin, and Kelley Calpin (and husband Nick Drahos); her brother, Gary Goodall (and wife Anne); and her grandchildren, LaBrae Lavelle, Deion Veloz, Sean Buesse, Clark Drahos, William Lavelle IV, Owen Lavelle and Noah Lavelle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilda and Irvine Goodall, and her siblings Roberta Goodall, Nancy Gavern, Douglas Goodall, and Irvine Goodall.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Betsy with compassion and devotion: her sister-in-law Theresa Lavelle for her daily care; her sister-in-law and dear friend Cathy Calabria-Kane for her unwavering friendship and spiritual support; caretakers Judy Longo, Desiree Petroziello, Tricia Dietz and the entire HHCP team. Your kindness helped bring Betsy comfort and peace in her final days.

A Memorial Service and Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The service will begin with visitation from family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. immediately followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betsy’s memory to the Cure Alzheimers Fund (www.curealz.org)

Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Lavelle

January 15, 2026