ITHACA| Elizabeth (Betty) Lacey passed away at Bridges in Ithaca, on Aug. 11, 2012. A native of Boston, she was the daughter of Robert and Marion Martin. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard, and her brothers, Robert and Kenneth Martin.

She was a graduate of Sargent College (Boston University) and Ithaca College where she received her master's degree in physical education. She was a physical education instructor at Emily Howland, later Sherwood Central School in Sherwood and East and Auburn High schools for many years.

Physical education and coaching were her passion. She coached and officiated many sports, but especially swimming and women's field hockey. While a physical education instructor at Emily Howland Central School, one of her more remarkable undertakings was coaching junior high boys basketball, varsity men's baseball and men's wrestling.

In the history of sports in the United States, very few women have taught and coached men as well as women. While coaching varsity women's field hockey at East High/Auburn High, for one stretch of five consecutive years, Betty Lacey's team was undefeated, a feat that won national acclaim by way of mention in Sports Illustrated.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis, Kevin, Brian and Sean Lacey and daughters-in-law, Rosemary, Gladys, Dora and Doreen Lacey as well as her grandchildren; Monica Hastings and Doug, of King Ferry, Rachel DeBois and John, of King Ferry, Alina Mulkerin and Benjamin, of New York, Alexa Lacey-Varona, of Ithaca, Devin, Kienen and Dylan Lacey, of New York, Kristin Egan and Martin, of Boston, Mass., Tim Lacey, of Evergreen, Colo., Meghan Padro and Mike, of Rochester, Melissa Dingey and Aaron, of Aurora, as well as several great-grandchildren. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very dear to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Tuesday Aug. 14, 2012 at St. Patrick's Church, Aurora. Interment will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening, Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South St., Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the Howard and Betty Lacey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 361, Aurora, N.Y., 13026.