Remembering family and friends

A roundup of notices and services. Look for additional obituaries on this newspaper’s website.

N. Greenbush Elizabeth A. “Betty” Malek passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2018, surrounded by her family at her home. Born in Troy on December 21, 1926, Betty was the daughter of James and Rose LaFleur Maloney. She was born and raised in Troy. A devoted Catholic, Betty attended Sacred Heart School in Troy and was a graduate of Catholic Central High School. After high school, Betty attended Comptometer School and worked for Socony Mobil for 9 years before starting her family. She was predeceased by her fabulous husband, Joseph S. Malek, of 54 years, and siblings Al, Lloyd, Bill, Lee Maloney and Eileen Bateman, and sonin-law, Dan McLeod, and daughter-in-law, June Malek. Betty is survived by her 4 daughters: Victoria (Richard) Deiber of Charlotte, NC, Lea McLeod of New York, NY, Jeanie (Thomas) Strauss of Garnet Valley, PA, Eileen (Joseph) Tally of Amherst, NY, and 3 sons: Paul of Troy, Steven (Charleen) of Raymertown, and David (Tina) of Cherry Hill, NJ, and 10 amazing grandchildren: Erin (Richard) Turner and Sarah Deiber, Colin McLeod (engaged to Lauren Matthews), Rachel Malek, Carley, Robby and Garrett Strauss, Nicholas Tally, and Angelina and Julianna Malek. Betty is also survived by a dear brother and sisterin-law, Paul and Fortunate Maloney, and beloved brother-in-law John B. “Jack” Madden. She is also survived by many, many dear nieces and nephews. Mom was well known for her exceptional hostess skills which were honed during her early years at Socony Mobile. She enjoyed hosting numerous family picnics, holidays, and parties at her home in North Greenbush. Every Sunday you could find her with a house full of loved ones serving lots of great food. She loved Christmas, being social, laughing, playing scratch-offs, and watching romantic comedies on television. She loved babies and was most happy lending a helping hand when each of her grandchildren was born. She was known as the “Baby Whisperer” as she had a magic way of soothing a crying baby. In her later years, both Betty and her husband, Joe, worked for the Rensselaer Department for the Aging which included delivering Meals on Wheels and providing transportation for medical appointments. Betty was a good neighbor and devoted friend who would provide companionship, conversation, and a cup of tea to those unable to get out and about. Whenever possible, Betty enjoyed going out to eat – a favorite spot was the Alexis Diner, going to the movies, and getting her hair done. Special thanks also to the wonderful doctors and nursing staff of Samaritan Hospital, the exceptional PT ladies at the VRM, and the Community Hospice personnel. Visitation will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church (175 Williams Rd, Troy, NY 12180) at 9 am on Monday, August 6, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes may send a donation in Betty’s memory to the Sacred Heart School, the local Food Bank, or your favorite charity in her name.