Elizabeth DeSorbo

Elizabeth “Betty” DeSorbo, born August 20, 1928, wife of Andrew DeSorbo (2015) passed peacefully into God’s loving arms early on Monday morning June 16, 2025. Betty was the only child of Monica (1986) and John (1972) Mahalec of Schenectady, New York. Betty was born in Luzurne County, Pennsylvania and lived the majority of her childhood and adult life in the Schenectady/Albany, New York area. In 2019, Betty relocated to Venice, Florida to be near her daughters and became a resident of independent living at Village on the Isle. In May 2025, Betty transferred to the Luke Haven Health Center at Village on the Isle and was under the care of hospice.

Betty worked as secretary to the purchasing agent for the City of Schenectady until the birth of her first child. Betty was a loving mother and homemaker. She was very active in many charitable and community organizations, to include the Albany chapter of the Christ Child Society, the Guilderland Garden Club, St. Madeline Sophie Faith Sharing, Duanesburg Seniors, and was a member of the auxiliary for the Mill Hill Missionaries.

Betty loved entertaining and cooking for her friends. She spent hours gardening and observing nature. She loved traveling with family and girlfriends both domestically and internationally. Her international travels included Ireland, Italy, Egypt (where she rode a camel!) and the Holy Land. Mahjong and card games were always a great way to pass time and enjoy neighbors, friends and family. She was sharp minded, loved to laugh, and at an April 2025 birthday party for her grand-dog Abigayle, she beat all the guests at cards. Her giving ways and generosity were appreciated by all who knew her. She expressed her appreciation to others with a big smile and a sincere “thank you very nicely”. She believed kindness matters, it is always better to smile, and the secret to longevity was red wine and dark chocolate.

Betty will be deeply missed and is survived by daughters Karen Holmes and Cynthia Dopjera, both of Sarasota, Florida and nephew Gary Buksa of Albany, New York. Mass will be held at the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Florida at 10:30 am on Thursday June 26, 2025 with burial immediately following at Venice Memorial Gardens. More information can be found at the website for Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida.