Elizabeth Anna (VanNorman) Kershner

Elizabeth Kershner

Pittsford - Elizabeth "Betty" Van Norman Kershner, born on Sunday, March 22, 1942, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Predeceased by her husband John, and parents Leon and Mariena Van Norman, brother Martin. Survived by her children Mike (Kendra), Jeff, and grandchildren Samantha (Matt) and Christopher (Kathy), siblings Marie, Joseph, James, Arlene and Catherine.

Everyone knew Betty. Betty was a perennial community volunteer- High Reachers in Idaho, Manchester-Shortsville Lions Club, Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, and Red Jacket school musicals. She saw potential in everyone and everything, and told them so, even if they did not want to hear it. She was a steadfast friend.

She shared her love of sewing in the very best bicentennial outfits for her 'kids', countless wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and decades of school musical outfits, Victorian costumes and so much more. She constructed her own patterns. The sign, 'She who dies with the most fabric wins!' hung in her sewing room, and boy, she did aim to win!

She was fascinated with intricate and fine design- lace, tatting, hatpins, Harper's Bazaar, Depression glass, antique linens and Victorian outfits, china, and crystal. Wedding cakes had to be masterpieces for each bride.

'What the hell do you want?' was Betty's response if you dared wake her up early in the morning. Tough on the outside, but with a big heart. A night owl, she was available for late night talks, solitaire games and collect calls from Europe.

She joined the Air Force out of high school, and met John, the quiet, steady love of her life. Military family life moved them from Massachusetts, to South Carolina, Texas, Idaho and finally back to Shortsville. Her boys, Mike and Jeff, both began careers in the military too, then ended up in technical fields, with the same interest in intricate things and the attention to design that makes them work.

Life gave her a daughter in Kendra, and then grandchildren Samantha and Christopher. Samantha has her big heart and sense to see potential in us all. Chris has the same big heart and Betty's gene for detail.

Thank you, Betty, for turning miles of fabric and thread into beautiful outfits, hot dog glop, great tuna fish, and too many Merc rides with the beanbag ashtray.

Please join the family at calling hours from 1 to 3 p.m on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Halsted-Patrick Funeral Home, 19 North Main Street, Manchester, N.Y. Remember Betty by contributing to the charity of your choice.

Please write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting www.halstedpatrickfuneralhome.com

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