Obituary of Elizabeth E. Ratigan
Elizabeth E. Ratigan, 82, of Melrose, peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Bertha Wagar DeFreest and was a graduate of Troy High School and Troy Beauty School. She was the beloved wife for 37 years of John H. Ratigan “Mr. Fantastic”, who passed in 2010.
Betty was a Beautician for many years at the JoAnne Shoppe in Wynantskill and had previously been employed at Montgomery Ward’s in Menands. She was last employed at Price Chopper in Lansingburgh.
Elizabeth loved “Jack”; her Jack Russell Terrier who was her constant companion, she also loved to watch the birds (and yell at the squirrels) always making certain that the many feeders were full.
Devoted mother of Michele (Jeff) Gurney, Grace (Kenny) Murray, and Michael (Pamela) Ratigan, cherished
“Gram” of Ken (Laura) Murray, Jr., Brittany (Christy) Murray, Michael John (Rose Thompson) Ratigan, Jr., Brendan P. (Mia Stufflebeam) Ratigan, Alexandra (Nicholas) Walrath, Kathleen (fiancé Nathan Butler) Ratigan, the late Gabrielle Gurney (Zack Burdick) and to Matt Larson who was also like a grandchild, adored “Great Gram” of Rebecca Garry, Caden and Chloe Murray and Ryan Walrath, dear sister of Ruth Shaw, Dorothy Smith, the late Walter, Clayton and George DeFreest, Caroline Simpson, Grace Radliff, Doris Paglia, Irene Sousis, Shirley Minnefield, also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.
Private visitation and interment for the family have been entrusted to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc, 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115th St. in Lansingburgh), Troy, NY 12182.
In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, there are no public services.
The Ratigan family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Mamdani and staff for their loving care over the years.
The family desires that memorial contributions in Elizabeth’s honor be made to the Schaghticoke Food Pantry, 165 Main St., Schaghticoke, NY 12154.
Elizabeth’s family invites you to offer your on-line Condolences by using that tab on this website.