Elizabeth B. Pirko

Elizabeth "Betty" Pirko, 89, of Ithaca, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016 with her family by her side at Longview.

She was born in Rochester, NY, daughter of the late Rev. Elmer and Gladys Belknap. Since her father was a Methodist minister, her family moved often from one small town to another in the Rochester area. She graduated from the Rochester Business Institute and began working for Cornell University as a secretary, She was recognized in 1971 by the Ithaca Chapter of the National secretaries Association as their first Secretary of the Year. She continued working her way up the ladder to the position of Director of Purchasing for Cornell University until her retirement in 1988 after 38 ½ years of service. She loved to travel, play golf, paint and enjoyed social celebrations with family and friends. We will miss her sense of humor and creative poetry skills!

In addition to her parents, Betty was also predeceased by her husband, Edward S. Pirko; sister, Bonnie (KIen) Schoenrock and brothers, Stewart (Jan) Belknap and Murray (Dorace) Belknap. Betty is survived by her son, James Pirko; daughters, Connie Sue (Dan) Shipos and Shari (Tom) Felton; sisters-in-law, Helen Rogers and Doris Belknap and brother-in-law, John Perko. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brian (Crystal) Shipos, Kirk Shipos and Lynea and Chase Felton and her great-grandchild, Landyn Shipos.

Friends may call on Monday, November 21, 2016 from 4:30 until 5:30 at the Bangs Funeral Home followed by a memorial service beginning at 5:30. Private burial will be held at the Calvary Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Monday, November 21, 2016 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Monday, November 21, 2016 5:30 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850