Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Malhenzie Burleigh
Jan. 27, 1929 – June 19, 2023
Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Malhenzie Burleigh, 94, passed away peacefully with loving family by her side Monday, June 19, 2023. The daughter of Ernest Herbert Malhenzie and Elizabeth Fink Malhenzie. She was born January 27, 1929 in Hancock, New York. She married her high school sweetheart Reginald (Reg) Jesse Crouch Burleigh on March 10, 1950, at The United Methodist Church.
She resided in Oriskany Falls, N.Y. with her husband Reg and six children until 1973 when she, Reg and the three youngest children moved to Tavares, Florida. Betty and Reg were married for 64 years until Reg’s death May 28, 2014.
After high school, she earned her RN degree from Crouse-Irving in Syracuse, N.Y. and worked at a local hospital until the birth of her first of six children when she resigned her position there to stay home and raise her family.
Betty embraced the spirit of volunteering and giving back to the communities she resided in. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie Leader, an Assistant Girl Scout Leader, a member of the School Board, and a lifelong member of The Historical Society all while living in Oriskany Falls.
Once Betty was settled in the City of Tavares, she resumed her penchant for volunteering by serving on the Citizens Advisory Board of Tavares Schools, Board of Directors of Lake County Historical Society and City of Tavares Library Board. She was the Historian/Librarian for the City of Tavares Historical Society for over 20 years and performed the duties of Curator – Docent for Tavares Historical Museum.
Betty received numerous citations and awards from several different agencies, for her contributions to the City of Tavares and Lake County, over the years.
Betty would also dress up as Mrs. Claus or period costumes (pioneer woman) and attend parades and other celebrations in the City of Tavares.
Betty loved her family and loved spending time with all of them. Many summers were spent at the camp on Leland Pond in Hamilton, N.Y. with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by beloved Husband Reginald; both her parents Ernest and Elizabeth; her brothers, Junior, Charles, Ed, Bernie, Herbie; and her sister Grace.
She is survived by her 5 sons, Richard (Patricia), Rodney (Melanie), Randall, Lance (Sheryl), Mitchell (friend Beth); her 1 daughter Lisa; her grandchildren Brent, Angela, Joanna, Amanda, Jason, Timothy, Kyle, Paige, Christy, LeeAnn, Sherry, Matthew, Luke, Karson, Cassie and Mitchell II.; her 21 Great Grandchildren; her 2 sisters, Eleanor Bull and Josephine Hunt; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin, and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations of Tavares.
Viewing will be Sunday July 9, 2023, from 1-3pm. Memorial Service will be July 10, 2023, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The United Methodist Church of Oriskany Falls, N.Y. as she has remained a member all of these years.
