Obituary of Elizabeth B. Mensching
Elizabeth B. Mensching (“Betty”), 77, of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Thursday, February 13, 2025, after a long illness, throughout which she displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children.
Daughter of the late John and Elinor (Jago) Burke, she was born on March 5, 1947 in Poughkeepsie, and was raised in Staatsburg. She married Gary E. Mensching on August 17, 1968 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Rhinebeck; Mr. Mensching survives at home.
Betty was a 1965 graduate of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, where she played the flute in the marching band. She then attended Dutchess Community College and graduated in 1967.
Betty worked for Security Mutual Insurance Company in Binghamton, NY while her husband finished his degree at Binghamton University. After moving to Wappingers Falls and raising her family, Betty attended the Dental Training Center in Poughkeepsie and became a licensed dental assistant. She worked for many years as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Armen Manasar in Wappingers Falls and acted as a secretary for the Dutchess County Dental Society. Betty also worked alongside her husband and son for many years in their family business, Signal Graphics in Wappingers Falls, until her retirement.
In her free time, Betty enjoyed sewing, often volunteering her talents by sewing doll clothes and other items for local charities to raffle off. She was a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troops and volunteered at the Oak Grove Elementary School library while her children were there. She had a great love for cats, often taking in any stray cat that appeared at her door. She also enjoyed watching and feeding birds, especially hummingbirds. She would track the migration of the hummingbirds so she would know when to put out her feeders every year.
Betty was kind, generous and everyone who knew her, as a friend, co-worker, patient or client, appreciated those qualities in her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her strength and love will continue to inspire generations to come.
In addition to her husband, Gary, survivors include her daughter, Sharon M. Walsh (Kevin) of Simsbury, CT; her son, Eric J. Mensching (Christine) of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Caitlin Walsh, Meghan Walsh, Sean Walsh, Noah Mensching and Taylor Mensching; and her niece, Susan Stepp (Jim) of Poughkeepsie.
Betty was predeceased by her sister, Jo Ann Motyka.
Memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to Dutchess County SPCA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.
