Elizabeth Faxon

Elizabeth Ann "Bette" Faxon - Old Chatham
Coach Bette Faxon passed away peacefully on August 2, 2018, following a brief illness. Bette was born in Old Chatham on November 17, 1937, to parents Hannah Bertram Faxon and Theodore Robert Faxon. A graduate of Cortland University and Albany State, Bette returned to Cortland to complete her Director's Certification. After graduation she began teaching physical education in Catskill, New York, where she led her girls basketball and volleyball teams to many state and regional championships. From there, Bette moved on to a larger school, accepting a teaching and coaching position at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) where in 1976 she was named Athletic Director. She was the first woman in Section 2 history to head an athletic department at a co-educational high school and, at the time, the only woman serving as an athletic director at a co-ed high school in New York State. The success of her teams continued, and she was the recipient of numerous awards and honors for her coaching abilities, culminating in her induction into the RCS Athletic Hall of Fame this past spring. Bette was passionate about her award-winning German Shepherds, her Red Sox, and was also deeply committed to her faith. She served the Nassau Reformed Church as choir director for many years until her illness in 2017, and was greatly comforted by readings and hymns during her recent hospital stay. She is survived by her devoted brother, Bob Faxon, and her K-9 best friend, Heidi. She also leaves behind loving nieces and nephews, Joan (Sky) Faxon-Vogel, Jamie Baksa, Ted Faxon, Tim (Karen) Faxon and Tom Faxon. She will also be greatly missed by her great-nieces and nephew, Rebecca Baksa, Courtney Baksa, Hailey (Craig) Dumart, Jill Faxon, Nick Faxon and Kelly Faxon, as well as her latest, greatest, great-great-nephew Brayden Dumart. Calling hours will be held at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home on Monday, August 6, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, with a service immediately following. Interment will be in North Chatham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bette's memory to Peppertree Rescue, PO Box 2396, Albany, NY 12220-0396. Online condolences may be offered at Mooneyfuneralhome.com