Obituary of Betty J. Grieco

Betty Jeanne Grieco, 86, of Watertown and long time resident of Adams Center, died in the evening on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 surrounded by her daughters. Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, July 22 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Piddock Funeral Home in Adams, with the funeral mass following at 1:00 pm at St. Cecilia’s Church in Adams, with Reverend Martin Cline officiating and Reverend Steven Murray, pastor of Holy Family Church in Watertown, co-officiating. Betty will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Roberts Corners, N.Y. Born January 5, 1928, Betty was the daughter of Walter and Jennie (Silsby) Barrett, and a graduate of Adams High School. She married Harold (Nick) Grieco of Adams at St. Cecilia’s Church on July 2, 1949 with Father Walter Cleary officiating. The couple lived in the Adams Center area all their married life before moving to Watertown in 2007. Together for 62 years until his death in April of 2012, theirs was a true love story. To all who knew her, it was clear that Betty’s joy came from her role as a nurturer and caretaker, wholly committed to her family. She was an outstanding cook, known especially for her macaroni and cheese, lasagna, apple pie and all things chocolate. Creative and artistic, she found enjoyment in drawing, painting, weaving baskets, and patiently tackling crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Her good nature was evinced through her constant singing, and the Barrett sense of humor brought hilarity to every occasion. Without doubt, Betty will be remembered by her family as the consummate wife and mother, who devoted every living moment to her husband and daughters. She, along with her husband Nick, were ideal role models for their daughters, instilling courage and independence, inspiring them to dream by supporting their every endeavor, and introducing them to the music that would become an essential part of all their lives. She understood the distinction between a “house” and a “home” and made it her life’s work to ensure that her family felt that difference. She was truly one of a kind. Nick was often heard to say of her, “There’s only one, and I got her.” Surviving are her brother Gerald Barrett of Watertown, sister Marjorie Davidson of Albuquerque, her five daughters Toni Zygadlo, of Gouverneur, Catherine Peyton of Adams, Lisa Smith of Watertown, Linda Ebensperger and Mary Jo Walsh, both of Camden, ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Betty is predeceased by four siblings, sisters Helen (Jones), and Norinne (David), and brothers Ken and Bill Barrett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.