Elizabeth "Betty" O’Leary

Elizabeth “Betty” O’Leary died peacefully on Feb. 19, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home in Verplanck, New York, on July 2, 1932, the daughter of John and Margaret (O’Brien) Keon and the granddaughter of Irish immigrants. As one of seven children, she cherished her family and friends in their tight-knit community along the Hudson River. Betty attended Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose and upon graduation enrolled at Hunter College in New York City. She was determined to earn her degree and even spent a year as a guest at the Assisium School, run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart on the Upper East Side, so that she could attend college in the city. After graduating, Betty taught elementary school for a number of years and went on to earn her Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY New Paltz. She married James Robert Houskeeper in 1954 and raised seven children in Putnam Valley, New York, and Manchester, Vermont. She later met the love of her life, Paul O’Leary, to whom she was happily married to for 33 years, until Paul’s death in 2018. Together, Betty and Paul enjoyed antiquing, attending auctions, taking drives, spending time with family, and going to church every Sunday. Betty earned her real estate license in the 1980s and worked in Manchester for Wells Real Estate, Pat Dupree Real Estate, and Snowfall Real Estate until she retired. She had many hobbies and interests throughout her life, including gardening, painting, knitting, skiing, tennis, boating, flower arranging, playing bridge, word puzzles, bible studies and, of course, raising seven children. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Parish and was a woman of tremendous faith. She joined the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and treasured her experience during a Catholic pilgrimage to Mexico City. Betty spent her final years at Equinox Terrace, where she had many friends and found great enjoyment in the care and activities provided. She loved participating in art projects, playing games, and attending musical performances at the Terrace. Betty possessed a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She made many friends and adored the staff. She was both gentle and direct; casual and fashionable; and independent and social. She had a twinkle in her eye and a funny comment until the very end. Survivors include Betty’s children and their spouses: Jeanne Chisamore of Manchester, Vermont; Bernadette Dooney of Hopewell Junction, New York; Peter Houskeeper and fiancé Claudia Mitchell of LaGrange, New York; Robert Houskeeper and Jamie Henson of Encinitas, California; Matthew Houskeeper of Manchester, Vermont; Margaret Houskeeper Ohrn and John Ohrn of Newburyport, Massachusetts; Erica Houskeeper and David Barron of Burlington, Vermont; and her grandchildren Margo, Eric, Henry, Sam, Sophie, Ryan, Jack, Kristy, Kelsey and Phoebe. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Licht, and by Paul’s adult children and spouses Kathleen and Joe Cassidy of Williston, Vermont; Paul and Sherry O’Leary of Essex, Vermont; and John and Kris O’Leary of Dorset, Vermont; as well as Paul’s grandchildren Kevin, Mickey, Daniel, Matt, Ryan, Colin and Max. The family would like to thank Betty’s caregivers at Equinox Terrace in Manchester Center for the many years of kindness and devoted care, the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, and the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. Calling hours will be Friday, June 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Brewster-Shea Funeral Service, 34 Park Place, Manchester Center. A funeral mass will be Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Church-Christ Our Savior Parish. 398 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center. Burial follows at Dellwood Cemetery, 2950 Route 7A, Manchester. Brewster & Shea Funeral and Cremation Services is overseeing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Home PO box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05255. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com