Betty Lucille (Rowe) Wade, born on August 14, 1930, in Norwich, NY, passed away on January 20, 2026 at the Veterans home in Oxford, NY after living in Bainbridge, NY, where she had made her home for many years.

She was the beloved wife of the late Clifford Emerson Wade, who predeceased her. Together, they raised a large and beautiful family and became an integral part of the local community, touching countless lives of others.

Betty was a woman of great kindness, strength, and devotion to her family. She was the loving mother of Deborah (Ron) Tatar, Brenda (James) Walters, Michael (Arlene) Wade, Ricky (Maria) Wade, and Susan Radecki. Her love for her children was matched only by the joy she found in being a grandmother to 18 grandchildren, Brian Tatar, Kate Alexander, Jeff Tatar , Sarah Zuniga, Dan Walters, Erin Kiser, Emily Lalli, Shawn Wade, Justin Wade, Danny Wade, Brandon Wade, Jacklyn Wade, Brittney Wade, Josh Radecki, Rachel Hayes, Becky Feltz, Mikayla Radecki, and Joel Radecki. She was also “Gramma Great” to 21 great-grandchildren.

Betty graduated from Crouse Irving School of Nursing with her RN and later earned her teaching degree from SUNY Oneonta. Early in her career, she worked in various nursing positions before spending many years as the school nurse at Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge, where she was a beloved figure to generations of students and staff.

Betty was an avid sewer, quilter, and crafter, and she took great joy in creating handmade treasures. Betty enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. She particularly enjoyed growing and sharing her gladiolas with family and friends.

Betty’s favorite pastime, however, was spending time with her family, engaging in a variety of activities that brought them closer together. She loved shrimping and crabbing, trying her luck at the casinos with her husband, and putting on wonderful dinners and good times for the family at her home and Camp Fish-a-Lot. Her family will forever treasure these special moments spent together.

For many years, Betty and Cliff ran The Wade Hay & Christmas Tree farm, where they became famous for their dedication to creating a warm and welcoming experience for customers. Betty was in charge of the lot sales, always ready with a friendly smile and a steaming cup of hot chocolate for visitors, while Cliff took families on the hill with his tractor and wagon to choose and cut their perfect tree. This tradition brought joy to countless families, and Betty’s involvement was always a highlight.

Betty was also known for her legendary hospitality. She was declared a saint for her tireless efforts hosting a wild game dinner the night before deer season opened, preparing breakfast for the hunting crews at 5:00 AM, hosting the annual family Thanksgiving dinner and providing meals for the haying and Christmas tree shearing crews. Her generosity and love for hosting were a true reflection of her caring nature. In her retirement years, Betty enjoyed spending her winters in Florida, a place she loved for its warmth, sunshine and many activities.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Charles Wesley and Elsie Gertrude Phetteplace Rowe, and her siblings Gerald Rowe and Beverly Laughlin. She is now reunited with her loved ones in peace, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date in 2026. Further details will be announced as the date approaches. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Betty’s memory to the Oxford Veterans Home (Vets Home Volunteer Guild) or the Our Daily Food Pantry (c/o Guilford Methodist Church, PO Box 89, Guilford, NY 13780).

Her nurturing spirit, unwavering love, and kindness that she shared will be deeply missed. Betty’s family and all those who knew her will cherish the many ways she made them feel loved and valued. Her legacy of grace, generosity, devotion to her family and profession, and her many creative and heartfelt pursuits will continue to inspire and comfort those she left behind.