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Betsy Mitchell Savery
May 2026 update from classmate, Donna Nelson Conlin:
This is Donna Nelson Conlin. I retired from my position as Schodack town clerk nine years ago. I served for 32 years and loved doing it. While I was kind of shy before, talking with and helping residents, brought me out of my shell. I have lived in this community for 60 years and have no desire to move.
I am the mother of two amazing women amazing; three loving grandchildren(girls) and the great grandmother of three( 1 boy-2 girls) with another girl expected in October. I recently lost my husband of almost 40 years. He had Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons and it was my privilege to walk beside him, love him, and take care of him to the very end. I am still dealing with the loss but am so grateful that I am surrounded by a loving family. I am truly blessed because all of my girls, other than one who is in South Carolina, live close to me.
For an 80 year-old, I’m independent and fairly healthy. I cook, clean, drive, garden, etc. and still have holiday dinners at my home. While some tasks may take longer, they still get done. I finally let my hair go natural (figured it was about time) but who knows that could change tomorrow. 😂
There is a small group of us from Troy high that try to get together once a month for lunch, weather and health permitting, of course 😵💫.
Our group included: Anna Church, Regina Gallager, Jean Kilduff, Judy Margosian, Nancy Bonesteel, Sharon Riley, Anita Poole, Joan Rebhun, Carol Golden and me. Carol and I have been friends since we were 5! Judy and I reconnected in our late 20’s. Anna and Regina reconnected with Carol and I at our 50th class reunion. They reached out to some of the others and then our little group was formed. You know we lost Anita but the rest of us try to make it as much as we can. The strange thing is that other than Carol and Judy, I didn’t really know the rest of them that well…life makes unexpected turns and over the last 13 years we have exchanged recipes, laughed and cried and been there for each other. We meet at various restaurants around the capital region. While the majority of us live in Rensselaer County, Gina lives across the river in Schenectady County, but she is always there!
As I said before, I feel blessed. I may not have set the world on fire, but I’m proud of what I’ve done and who I became. I’ve had a wonderful life, filled with family, heartaches, joy, love, a career that I loved and developed many friendships over the years. What more could you possibly ask for…
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