Elizabeth "Betty" Stevener

Elizabeth "Betty" Stevener (née Arbeiter) After sharing more than sixty years of marriage with the love of her life, Elizabeth "Betty" Stevener passed peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of July 5, 2026, at the age of 85. While her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Richard, whom she dearly missed following his passing in December 2025. Born on August 11, 1940, in North Tonawanda, New York, Betty was the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Adrian) Arbeiter. She was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic school during her childhood. Faith, family, generosity, and hard work were values that remained with her throughout her life. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Practical, dependable, and deeply loving, she expressed her love through the things she did for others. She sewed clothing, created a warm and welcoming home, and made family traditions feel special. She had a creative spirit, enjoyed sewing and flower arranging, and years ago took classes in silk flower arranging simply because she loved creating beautiful things. Christmas was her favorite season. Betty delighted in finding the perfect gifts and never believed there could be too many presents beneath the tree. Her greatest joy came from watching the faces of her children and grandchildren as they opened them, creating memories and traditions that will live on for generations. After raising Laurie and Patrick, Betty spent more than a decade working at Jenss Department Store, a beloved Western New York institution. The work suited her outgoing personality and love of people, and she treasured the friendships she made with coworkers and customers alike. One of Betty's greatest blessings was her lifelong friendship with Carolyn Brown. Beginning in the third grade, their friendship spanned nearly eight decades, carrying them through childhood, marriage, raising families, and all of life's joys and sorrows. Betty also enjoyed time outdoors, flowers, family gatherings, and the simple comforts of home. She was often the more social presence at parties and celebrations, warmly visiting with those around her. In later years, she found joy in familiar routines, including watching Judge Judy, a favorite pastime her family will always remember with a smile. She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Ricky) Brothers; her son, Patrick (Jeanine) Stevener; her grandchildren, Jason Brothers, Jeffrey Brothers, Christopher Brothers, Madison Stevener, and Sienna Stevener; her great-grandson, Maximus Brothers; her brother, Michael Arbeiter; her brothers-in-law, Keith Stevener and Walter Soemann; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Irving Stevener; her parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Adrian) Arbeiter; and her younger brother, Ronald Arbeiter. A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Family and friends are invited to continue sharing memories and celebrating Betty's life immediately following the service at The Hideaway Grille, 399 Division Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Betty will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, generosity, loyalty, and devotion to family. The traditions she created, the holidays she made magical, and the love she poured into her family will remain part of her legacy for generations.

Elizabeth "Betty" Stevener

August 11, 1940 - July 5, 2026