Obituary of Elizabeth Sommella

Elizabeth " Betty " Sommella, age 92, a former Gloversville resident, passed Sunday morning, May 16, 2021, at Cibolo Creek Health and Rehabilitation Center, Boerne, Texas, following a decline in health for the past year. 

She was born May 18, 1928, in Cowan, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Herbert Wilson, Maude Ellen Gaines Wilson Zaharakis, and step-father George Zaharakis.  

Betty received a full academic scholarship for receiving the highest academic test score to Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. While at Florida State University, Betty was involved in a sorority and numerous organizations.   She was employed as a physical education teacher in West Palm Beach, Florida, Mayfield School District, and Gloversville Enlarged School District.  Betty was a member of the North Main Street United Methodist Church and served on the church council board and was an active member of the United Methodist Women.  She was an avid Christian and enjoyed dancing, singing, music, reading, playing bridge, cooking, traveling, and gardening.  She always saw the good in everyone she came in contact with and had a great sense of humor.  Betty always put her family's needs before her own.  She was a dedicated wife and mother. 

Betty is survived by three children, Susan Sardelli (Robert) of The Villages, FL, Catherine Cole (Clifton) of Gloversville, and Lisa McCoulskey (Jeffrey) of Center Point, TX; five grandchildren, John Sardelli, Marie Ottaway (Timothy), Nicholas Orlando, Dominic Orlando, Elaina McCoulskey and two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Landon Ottaway, two nieces and numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Anthony R. Sommella, and a granddaughter, Alyssa Sardelli Williams.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 am to 11 am Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. Facial covering and social distancing will be required. 

A private Funeral Service will take place at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Joyce Royal officiating. Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the N. Main United Methodist Church, Gloversville, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and River City Hospice, Boerne, TX.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www. brbsfuneral.com