Betty M. McNerny

Betty M. (Claspy) McNerny died on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the age of 98. She was born on July 18, 1925 to the late Howard and Hazel (Anderson) Claspy. Not long after her birth, her family moved into a house on Sewickley Street which became the backdrop for the rest of her life-a home that hosted many relatives who visited and sometimes stayed. Betty loved being part of a large family. Betty and her husband, Dr. Richard H. “Dick” McNerny, Sr., met in school and were inseparable from the age of 13. They married in 1943-just after high school graduation and before Dick was deployed to the Pacific Theater. Aside from his war service, the two were always together until he died in 2001-a loss she grieved ever after. A lover of pretty clothes and a regular visitor to the beauty parlor, Betty was enviably coiffed and dressed to the nines, but Betty felt most valuable when she helped her family. She loved babies and children. Betty’s grandchildren knew there would be Pepsi on the counter, candy in the cupboard, and chips stashed in the microwave when they visited. She delighted in her great-grandchildren and could be found riding the Idlewild roller coaster and playing on the floor with them, well into her 80’s. Less known were her impressive reflexes, she could catch a housefly out of the air with her bare hands and was a legendary talent at the game of jacks. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Charles G. McNerny; her sister Wilma (Claspy) Anthony; Her brother Charles Claspy and his wife Margaret; and brother-in-law Richard Highberger. She is survived by her son Dr. Richard J. McNerny, Jr. and daughter-in-law Janet; daughter-in-law Kathleen McNerny; grandchildren Kristy E. Besada (James), Richard A. McNerny (Leah), Daniel Q. McNerny (Erin), Kate L. McNerny (Greg); and great-grandchildren Aidan, Kieran, Dorah and Tessa. She is also survived by brother-in-law Maurice Anthony and sister-in-law Jane (McNerny) Highberger. Betty loved her nieces and nephew, their spouses, children and grandchildren, as well as special friends Janet Jackson, Don and Pat McCabe, Rusty and Ruthie Johns, and Jennifer Fabiszewski.  Friends will be received from 10AM to 12 Noon Monday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg. A funeral service will begin at 12 Noon Monday in the funeral home with The Rev. Martin Ankrum officiating.  Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank the dear, compassionate people who cared for and visited Betty during her convalescence. Your presence with her was a balm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greensburg Hempfield Library.  www.bachafh.com

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