Betty Wilson Obituary

Betty T. Wilson, age 106, of Kendall, NY, entered into rest peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Born September 18, 1919, Betty was the daughter of the late Arthur and Edna (Baker) Thornell. She grew up on the Thornell farm on Thornell Road in Pittsford. Betty attended the one-room schoolhouse there, where Mrs. Startup was the teacher until the 8th grade, then went on to graduate from Pittsford High School. After graduation, Betty went to work at Eastman Kodak in the Camera Works Department, which during WWII became a munitions factory where Betty assembled nose cones for bombs. Her only brother Lloyd became a decorated fighter pilot and went down in the North Sea on February 3, 1944.

Betty married Robert C. Wilson on March 15, 1947 in front of the fireplace at the Thornell farm. They moved to Kendall and began life together on his family farm on the Center Road. While Bob ran the farm, Betty had chickens and delivered eggs to many local people and to the Salvation Army Camp at Troutburg. Together they raised four children.

Betty was an active member of the Kendall Methodist Church, where she was well known for her coleslaw and peanut butter balls. She was also a well-loved member of the Thursday Morning Breakfast Club. She loved providing a hot drink and fresh baked cookies for the men and women working on the farm.

Betty will long be remembered for her kindness, as well as for her strength and determination. She was a firm believer in keeping active and continued with her exercises even as the end drew near.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Wilson; brother, Lloyd Thornell; grandson, Joey Wilson; and son-in-law, Mike Kepler.

She is survived by her children, Sally (John) Sober, Martha Jane (Robert) Hart, Marianne Kepler and Robert Lloyd (Sandra) Wilson; nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, Susan Baker (John) Baptista, Sandy Peregine and Dona (Mark) Maynard; and special friend, Ken DeRoller.

The family is especially grateful to Dr. Gaden for his wonderful care and dedication over the years and to Sue Miller for her loving care. A special thank you also to Orleans Hospice for their care and support over the past few months.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13 at 11:00am at the Kendall Methodist Church, 1808 Kendall Rd., Kendall, with a lunch immediately following. Interment will be in Beechwood Cemetery in Kendall at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Holley.

Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Kendall Methodist Church, P.O. Box 464, Kendall, NY 14476 or to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Rt. 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.