GLENS FALLS – Helen "Betty" Harrington, 79, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, early Saturday morning, June 18, 2016, at Glens Falls Hospital after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

Betty was born April 25th, 1937 and raised on the family farm in Truthville, NY, one of fifteen children. She was married on March 10, 1973 to Merrill "Tom" Harrington.

She had a long career of caring for her family: first a blended family of eight was the love of her life, then along came her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As if that weren't enough, Tom and Betty opened their home to care for an additional 125 foster children. Whether their stays were short or long-term, they loved providing a home for any children who needed them. If love could have kept her here, she would have lived forever!

In addition to the love of her family, Betty also enjoyed the first snow, shopping, crocheting, and crossword puzzles.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Zoa and Lawrence Hoyt; step-daughter, Lori Hennis; and dear friend Melvina Harrington.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Tom Harrington; two sisters Dorothy Baker and Hazel Ehntholt; children, Gloria Greene (Henry Soucy), Paul Greene (Vicky), William Villanueva, Tammy Ann Harrington-Thompson, Cindie DeBlois, Tammy Lynn DeBlois (Bob Tripp), and Kelly Harrington; grandchildren, Andi Schulze, Dannica Campbell, Rodney Greene, Logan Dexter, Heath Dexter, Michael DeBlois, Aubrie Harrington, Brendon Harrington, Thomas Harrington, Ashley Borders, Bruce Thompson, Matt Pultorak, Judy Arbor, Ashli Irish, Brian Lawson Jr., Darren Lawson, William Villanueva Jr., Angelo Villanueva, Erika Fuentes, Erica Brimhall; and great-grandchildren, Ayden DeBlois, Grayson Campbell, Azaryah Borders, Josiah Borders, Nehemiah Borders, Eliana Borders, Makiyah Borders, Cameron Pultorak, Christian Pultorak, Ryan Irish Jr., Eli Irish, Khloe Arbor, Joy Arbor, and several more...

A special thank you to the caring staff at Glens Fall Hospital for their expertise, care and support through this difficult time.

She is no doubt looking down and still giving everyone a thumbs up.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Betty's memory to Operation Santa Claus at www.operationsanta.com or the Charles R Wood Foundation c/o Foundation Source, 55 Walls Drive, Suite 302, Fairfield, CT 06824.

At her request, there will be no calling hours or service. Instead, please join the family for an open house in remembrance and Celebration of Betty's life on Saturday, June 25th, starting at 11 am at her favorite place, the Harrington's home, 59 Massachusetts Avenue in Queensbury.

Condolences may be mailed to the address above or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.