Elizabeth (Betty) Reidy Connors, 89, Always Known for her Hospitality

Born August 19, 1921 in Beregszasz, a part of Hungary that became Czechoslovakia after WWI, Betty immigrated via Ellis Island to Cleveland in 1929. As a child, she worked on their farm in Parma and as a maid. After her mother's death at the age of 12 she was taken care of by the Sisters of Charity at St. Ann's Orphanage in Cleveland. She was fortunate to become the foster daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Russell Arnold of Avon Lake. Betty graduated from Avon Lake High School and received her R.N. pin from St. Vincent Charity Hospital School of Nursing, Cleveland in 1944.

She was a head nurse of the maternity department of St. Joseph Hospital, Lorain. While organizing a dance, she met Richard J. "Dick" Reidy and married in 1951. She also worked as an office nurse for Dr. Joseph Cicerrella. For 18 years, Betty worked along side of her first husband Dick at Reidy-Scanlan Funeral Home in Lorain. In 1966 they became the owners of Avon Oaks Nursing Home in Avon where she dedicated her life as the director of nursing and was among first licensed administrators in Ohio, she retired in 1986, turning the reins over to her three children. Betty and her husband Dick bought Bodzash Funeral Home in South Lorain In 1973.

After the death of her first husband, Dick, she became a "snow bird" in Sebastian, Florida where many of her old friends followed. In Sebastian, she met James G. Connors of Kingston, New York. They married in 1996 and Betty enjoyed her new and expanded family. In 2001 they down sized to a home in Avon.

In both Lorain and Sebastian, Betty was known for her hospitality. Her St. Patricks' Day and New Years' parties were the best and her holiday table was always filled with many friends and extended family. Her family carries on the tradition.

A woman of great faith, her favorite saint was St. Martin DePorres. She loved that he cared for the sick and the destitute, even when he met with disapproval from his superiors. As owner of Avon Oaks, she set the highest standards for compassionate care. She loved the people who worked at Avon Oaks over the past 44 years and was so happy to be in their care during the last days of her life.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 14 years James G. Connors of Avon, her son Richard J. (Larissa) Reidy, Jr. of Lorain, her daughters Joan E. Reidy of Lorain and Judy (Larry) Flynn of Avon, her step-sons John (Dot) Connors of Columbia, Maryland, Rick Connors of Mechanicville NY, Michael (Rose)Connors of Lamont, FL, David Connors of Kingston, NY, Steve (Patti) Connors of Hurley, NY, and Andrew (Annie) Connors of Lake Katrine, NY step daughter Maryanne (Tom) Sanikandro, of Ashland, MA. foster brothers, Russell Arnold of Adelphia MD and Louis Arnold of College Park, MD. a foster sister Maryanne Dessaine of Lorain, grandchildren Joseph Reidy of Lorain Natasha Reidy of Lakewood, Nadya and Larissa J. both of Lorain, Andrew and Elizabeth Flynn of Avon, and step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Richard J. "Dick" Reidy in 1985, her parents Andrew and Mary (nee Mekley) Orosz, sons Joseph and Jerome in infancy, brothers Alexander and Andrew Orosz.

Her family will receive friends Tuesday, September 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, (440) 277-8164. Closing prayers Wednesday, September 22 in the funeral home at 8:15 then Mass of Christian Burial in Mother of God Parish Reid Ave. & Eighth St. Lorain, Rev. Father Daniel Divis, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain Ohio.

The family suggest memorial contributions to Avon Oaks Activity fund 37800 French Creek Road, Avon, OH 44011 or Mary's Choice Food Pantry, 309 West 7th Street, Lorain, OH 44052.