Obituary of Elizabeth M. Shinn

Queensbury: Elizabeth "Betty" Ruth (Mooney) Shinn, 96, formerly of The Glen at Hiland Meadows, passed away, Monday, April 17, 2017. Born August 7, 1920 in Burlington, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Harry T. and Ruth (Henry) Mooney. Betty lived a life devoted to her family and generously volunteered for the causes she believed in. While raising her family in New Jersey, she devoted time and energy to The Red Cross and The Burlington County Hospital Auxiliary. She was trained as an x-ray technician and worked at the Burlington County TB League for many years. Betty and her husband, Roy welcomed visitors from other countries, and is was an annual tradition to host large gatherings, with many visitors, family, and friends. The couple also opened their lives to their nieces and nephews, bringing them together each year for a week in a house they rented on Long Beach Island, NJ; one year they brought 14 children. After spending many years vacationing in the Adirondacks, Betty and Roy moved to their home on Trout Brook in Olmstedville, NY in 1988. She took her love of gardening with her and her plants, as she believed in the tradition of "Friendship Gardens", where friends and family share perennials from their own gardens; her flowers continue to bloom in gardens all over the country. Betty again looked for ways to help others and volunteered in the Garden Club. For many years, anyone who entered Olmstedville would see Betty's and Roy's work on the garden in the circle. They also spent many hours volunteering at The Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home in North Creek. Betty also started a business that encompassed her love of antique linens. Collectors and auctioneers will remember "Linens and Laces" as Betty traveled around the state for shows; she never met an auction she could resist. She started researching genealogy in her early years and continued the work throughout her life. Without the help of computers, she was able to trace her family back to the 1500's. She left a treasure trove of information for her granddaughter, Jen, to continue the project. She is predeceased by her son, John Matthew Shinn, a brother, Thomas J. Mooney, and a sister, Jane I. Mooney. She is survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Roy William Shinn; her daughter, Jane S. Gehring and her husband, William; her sons, Albert R. Shinn and his wife, Susan, and William R. Shinn and his wife, Patricia; granddaughters, Jennifer Cordes Owen and her husband, Christopher May, and Bonnie Elizabeth Shinn. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Helen (Mooney) Wilson and her husband, David, Maryann (Joe) Rodgers, Tom Mooney, Sandy (Ken) Gentry, Carol Lee (Frank) Lamb, Gerry (Kathy) Potter. At Betty’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services scheduled. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place privately. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at The Terrace as well as The Stanton for the gift of their care, infinite kindness, and affection to Betty during her time with them. They are wonderful and generous people who do their jobs with passion and smiles. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Betty’s memory to Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 112 Ski Bowl Road, North Creek, 12853., or the food bank of ones choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.