Elizabeth "Betsy" H. Greenleaf

Elizabeth Helen Greenleaf - “Betsy”
February 2, 1931 - January 14, 2018

Betsy passed peacefully in her sleep on January 14, 2018 at the age of 86 years.  She was born Elizabeth Meehan in Johnstown, PA on February 2, 1931 to James Archibald and Bess Dickie Meehan.  She was the youngest of 7 children and was the last surviving of her siblings James, Harry, Mary Louise, William, John, and Patrick.

Betsy graduated from Johnstown High School, and earned her teaching degree at Mercyhurst College (now Mercyhurst University) in 1952 and majored in History and Drama. She taught English, History, and was Director of the Jr. and Sr. class plays in Brockway, PA for several years.  On December 10, 1955, she married Walter J. Greenleaf Jr of Meadville, PA. They resided in Erie, PA and Murrysville, PA until relocating to Meadville in 1968.  While raising four sons, Betsy partnered with her husband to build Greenleaf Corporation. They were fortunate enough to have traveled the world.

Betsy was a Trustee of her Alma Mater, Mercyhurst College, and was involved with many community associations, including the Meadville Antique Study Club and was the Chairperson of the Meadville Bicentennial committee. She was a member of the Meadville Medical Center Auxiliary, Garden Club, Women’s Services, The Country Club, Iroquois Club, and Duquesne Club.  She and her husband were active in Young Presidents’ Organization, World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives Organization.

Betsy was a woman of style, flair and strong opinions. She had both an Irish wit and an Irish temper. Kind and generous to all, she loved her family and cherished her friends. Her grandchildren were her special joy.

Betsy leaves her loving memories to be treasured by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews:  She is survived by her sons Dr. Walter J. Greenleaf and his wife Suzanne Rufflo-Greenleaf of Portola Valley, CA; James M. Greenleaf and his wife Nancy Newton Greenleaf of Erie, PA; Gregory G. Greenleaf and his wife Rebecca Shelby Greenleaf of Washington DC, and William P. Greenleaf and his wife Debra Howard Greenleaf of Franklin Township, PA; eight grandchildren, James M. Greenleaf Jr., Nancy Elizabeth Greenleaf, William R. Greenleaf and Mary Catherine Greenleaf of Erie, Walter James Greenleaf and Francis Garrison Greenleaf of Portola Valley, CA, Ethan Howard Greenleaf and Abigail Laura Greenleaf of Franklin Township, PA, 3 nieces and 9 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, one niece, and two nephews.

Calling hours will be on Friday, January 19, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA. There will be a mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20, at St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 383 Arch Street, Meadville, PA. Interment will be immediately following at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Meadville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546, or the charity of your choice.

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