Bette Franklin

Schenectady - Bette L. Franklin, age 99, passed peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Teresian House in Albany, NY.

Mrs. Franklin was born in Schenectady on July 9, 1923 and was the daughter of Wladyslav and Valeria Laniewski. After graduating from Mont Pleasant High School and Spencer Business School, she was employed in the Control Engineering Division at GE before marrying and starting her family. Bette later returned to the work force as a senior file clerk for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (Law Bureau) for many years before retiring in 1987. She also worked for a time as a substitute secretary for the Schenectady School District.

Bette married her beloved husband, Raymond J. Franklin, at St. Paul the Apostle church in Schenectady in October 1946, and enjoyed 74 years of marriage. Her husband predeceased her only a few months short of their diamond jubilee wedding anniversary.

Bette was deeply devoted to her family and had a special place in her heart for dogs. She made friends with every dog she met and adored the very fortunate ones she raised. She hosted numerous and frequent family get-togethers, celebrations and holidays over many years, creating cherished memories for her family. She was a superior baker, cook, seamstress, furniture refinisher, and an avid shopper.  She excelled at everything she tried. Bette was devoted to her Catholic faith and lived it in many ways. She was thoughtful, kind, generous beyond measure, and always lifted our spirits. It is said that the gifts given to us are gifts for us to give - and she did. She was always doing for others - that was her mission.  

Left behind to treasure her memory are her children, Sherrill Redmond (Robert) of Niskayuna; granddaughter Taryn Roselli (Anthony) great-grandchildren Cady, Michael and Lauren Roselli; grandson Ryan Redmond (Danielle), and great granddaughter,

Raegan; her son, Gary Franklin (Nora); grandson Cory Franklin (Emily), great-grandchildren, Liam and Olivia; her grandson Paul (Anna) and great-grandsons, Thor, Preston, and Landon; granddaughter Erica Cacchiotti and great-granddaughter Ashley Newlin. She also leaves behind several beloved several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and her husband, Bette was predeceased by her brother, John Laniewski, and much loved sisters, Harriet Rodwell, Jane Dreves and Lillian Lemmo. 

Family and friends are welcome to remember Bette by visiting Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie from 11am to 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 25. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady, at 1:00pm. Entombment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bette’s name may be made to the Teresian House Activities Department, 200 Washington Ave Ext., Albany or to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Scotia, NY, 12302. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.