Elizabeth “Betty” Simek

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Beam) Simek, 80, of Vestal passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 after a second battle against cancer. She beat liver cancer in 2006 thanks to a “miracle” treatment and received eight bonus years. Betty was born May 15, 1934 in Binghamton, NY. She was predeceased by her husband and high school sweetheart John R. Simek; parents Harold and Theresa Beam; brothers Richard and Donald Beam; sister Gloria Cleveland, and infant sister Peggy. She is survived by her children Karen Valenta and John Greene, John M. Simek, Donna and Brian McCarthy and Dave and Sally Simek. Betty is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren, Kyle Valenta and David Fabricant, Trevor and Amysue Valenta and Scott Valenta; John, Peter, Andrew and Anna Simek; daughter-in-law Carol Estep Simek, Shannon and Christopher McCarthy; Tara and Matt Brown, Matt and Katie Simek, Laura and Derek Volberg, Jenna and Mike Pomeroy. Betty is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, London and Mazzy-May Valenta, AJ and Kourtney Brown, Caroline and Grady Simek and Zoey and Tanner Volberg. Betty is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Harold (Bud) and Norma Beam, sister Beverly Hanson and sister-in-law Mary Ann Beam and Phil Harding; many loved nieces, nephews and special family friend Ann Goroleski and her children Christopher, Michael and Thomas. Betty graduated from Binghamton North High in 1952. In addition to being a dedicated mother, she worked for several years at Sanzo Specialities and retired from General Electric/ Lockheed Martin in 1994. Betty devoted her life to her family and her faith. Most recently she enjoyed family dinner celebrations at Cortese, wine time and chocolate, Friday afternoon hair appointments at “Hair It Is” in Vestal and Sunday breakfast with Bud, Norma and Bev. Betty was a member of the famous “Skating Beams” and a member of St. Vincent de Paul’s church for over forty years. The Simek family wishes to express its sincerest appreciation for the comforting care provided to their mother by Debbie Spero, Louise Williams and Lourdes Hospice Staff.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent De Paul Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal. Entombment will follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3-6 pm Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Soiety, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 or Lourdes Hospice Program, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850.