Obituary of Elizabeth Gleeson

Elizabeth "Betsy" Gleeson passed away Friday, the 5th of November 2010, in Austin, Texas following a brief illness. She was born on the 27th of April 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia in 1957. She then went to work as a transcription typist for Girard Bank. It was during her daily commutes that she met her future husband on a city bus. They married and moved to Syracuse, New York. In 1969, Betsy braved a cross-country move to Austin, Texas, with her husband and two young children. In Austin, she built a house and set about creating a home for her family. Throughout her life she selflessly acted as the foundation for her family, providing the stability and harbor that allowed them to succeed in their pursuits. Ever eager for new challenges, Betsy pursued her desire to help children. She returned to her educational studies, earning her Associate's degree from Austin Community College. Her great desire to experience the thrill of travel and her ability to plan exquisite trips took her across the United States, into Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean. She enjoyed handling the management of her home, arranging travel for her and her husband, and involvement of the social events of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her father, Burton Billman, her mother, Elva Billman, and her younger sister, Jayne Turner.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Austin M. Gleeson, her daughter, Linda Cilek, her son, David, her grandson, Cameron Cilek, her eldest sister, Carol McGuigan, and her beloved dachshund, Casey Blueberry.

A dedicated, vibrant and beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister, she was a star in their firmament whose warm glow and wisdom will guide our lives forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 10 AM at the Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel, 333 County Line Road, Feasterville, PA, (215) 354-0085 where Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Betsy's name to SafePlace in Austin, Texas. (www.safeplace.org)