Obituary of Betty A. Fox-Irving
Betty A. Rumery Fox-Irving, age 82, of Rome, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 10, 2020.
She was born August 1, 1938, in Portland, ME, a daughter of the late Clifford and Mary Watson Rumery. Betty was united in marriage to Robert Irving on July 16, 1988, in Poland, NY; he died on April 26, 1995. She formerly worked at Smithfield Packing Co., in North Carolina.
Betty was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. She enjoyed BINGO, playing cards, reading (especially Amish stories), dancing, coloring and more. “Betty Boop” as she was called throughout her life was a fun and outgoing woman with a quick wit. She spoke her mind and kept others on their toes and kept a watchful eye out for her fellow residents and friends. She lived at RHCF for the last 81/2 years and was very involved in the daily activities. Over the years she was vice-president of the Residential Council, participated in the Annual Senior Olympics and a member of the Senior Bowling League. Going on the monthly RHCF field trips, dinners and shopping trips was something she looked forward to. Betty visited her fellow residents regularly and made daily check-ins with them and their families. She was known to always be helping them with their meals too. She was given the title of “Mayor” because of her wonderful personality and friendship with the doctors, nurses, aides, residents, families and staff at RHCF and Rome Hospital. Her decorative headbands and accessories will be missed. The headbands were often gifts from those around her as she loved to make others smile. They ranged from practical and beautiful, to funny and outrageous. She dressed for any occasion or holiday and made those jovial around her with her infectious love and antics. Mom loved to visit with family and friends, get out for a family dinner or a long drive to sight-see.
Betty was known for her humming throughout life until she got a trachea. In many eyes, her light was extinguished too soon. For all of us who cherished our times and memories with her, we know she has many loved ones waiting with open arms above; and we left behind now have a humming angel watching over us.
Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Amidon and staff, RHCF nurses, aides and staff, fellow residents and friends for the prayers, love, comfort and care given to our Mother over her years at RHCF and her last weeks with all of you. Special thank you to her RHCF activities girls: Megan, Wendy and Izzy. We were blessed to have all of you as her extended family.
Betty is survived by a daughter and son in law, Tina and Peder Messina of Rome; two sons and a daughter in law, William G. Fox, Jr of Raytown, MO, and Scott E. and Kelly Fox of Rome; a sister, Marian Rumery; grandchildren, Carissa Savoy, Skye Messina, Jessica Zeni, Samantha Williams, and Stephanie and Cassandra Fox, and Delaney, Felecia and Devon Fox; great grandchildren, Abel, Emerson, Phillip, Isabelle, Nathan and Hunter. She was predeceased by a brother, Clifford M. Rumery Norton.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 20, 2020, at 6:00 PM, at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, November 20, 2020, from 4 to 6 PM, prior to the memorial service. Please wear masks and adhere to Covid-19 guidelines and social distancing at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Betty to the RMH Foundation (memo line RHCF Activities or RHCF Residence Council), c/o Megan Absolom, 1500 N. James St.,Rome NY 13440.
Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com