Obituary: ​Deacon Elizabeth A. Belasco Dies at 86

Deacon Elizabeth A. Belasco, of Massapequa, passed away on Wednesday, August 3. She was 86

She worked for 31 years as deacon, serving in parishes within the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island including Grace Church in Massapequa; St. Stephen’s in Port Washington; St. Peter’s-by-the Sea in Bay Shore; Redeemer in Astoria; and St. Jude’s in Wantagh.

She also taught at the Wheatley School before she retired.

Responding to the 9/11 tragedy, Deacon Betty served as a grief and trauma counselor at Ground Zero and continued to serve families and workers at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, as remains were identified in the months that followed.

Her work of counseling those who suffered led to her being asked to serve on a mission to Sri Lankan survivors and caregivers after a devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Deacon Betty was a longtime teacher and board member of the Mercer School of Theology, a member of Diocesan Council and other diocesan commissions, a deputy to several General Conventions, and was active with Cursillo.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, August 10 starting at 11 a.m. at the The Cathedral of The Incarnation on 50 Cathedral Avenue in Garden City.

A private cremation is scheduled.

Pictured: Deacon Betty (Right) with Mother Maxine (Left)

Photo: Facebook.com