Marion Columbe

Marion Elizabeth “Betty” Columbe, age 88, of Bloomingdale, NY died peacefully on Saturday November 21, 2020 at her residence surrounded by family.

Betty was born in Saranac Lake on March 23, 1932 the daughter of “Ned” and Frances O’Neil Wood. She married Gaylord Columbe in Plattsburgh, NY on February 1, 1957. He predeceased her in October 1985.

Betty was a lifelong resident of Bloomingdale, and she worked for Ames Department store in Saranac Lake from when they first opened until they closed, where she met her best friend Lina Boon. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and her greatest joy was when she was surrounded by them all.

She cherished her childhood memories on the farm with Harold, Robert, Catherine, Mildred, Dorothy and Geraldine. She enjoyed Sunday breakfast and dinners with family, casino trips, cooking, reading, crossword puzzles and cards.

Betty is survived by her son five daughters: Valerie Oliver, Vanessa Columbe, Vi Snickles, Vickie (Jim) Strack all of Bloomingdale, NY and Vivian (Richard) Charland of Eagle Bridge, NY; ten grandchildren: Jackie, Chad, Ryan, Brady (Jolissa), Justin, Brittany, Cody, Jordan, Daniel and Derek; three great-grandchildren: Colin, Chance, Brady Pratt II and two on the way.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Gaylord, an infant son “Ricky” at 20 months of meningitis, her two son-in-laws Roger Oliver and John Ecret, two brothers John and Pete Wood and her mother and father.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Friends and family may call on Wednesday November 25, 2020 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will take place on Friday November 27, 2020 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s church in Bloomingdale, NY with Rev. Martin Cline officiating. Burial will immediately follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Bloomingdale. Family and friends attending in person calling hours and funeral services are asked to please follow all COVID-19 recommendations including social distancing and wearing a mask. Due to extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and limited seating at St. Paul’s Church, the Columbe family understands that it may make it difficult to attend. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will also be recorded and be available for viewing following the services on Fortune-Keough Funeral Home website and Face Book page.

Family and friends wishing to remember Marion “Betty” (Wood) Columbe can share their memories, video and written condolences at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com. Family and friends can send memorial contributions in Betty’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.