SHILLINGTON, Pa. —  Elizabeth “Betsy” van der Goes, a smart, creative woman, was known in the Altamont area for the kennel she ran for decades on Brandle Road.

She died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at Heritage of Green Hills after succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease. She was 86.

The daughter of the late Virginia (née Branham) Snare and Philip van der Goes, she was born in New York City on Nov. 27, 1936.

Ms. Van der Goes lived most of her adult life in the Capital District area of New York State. She graduated from Chatham High School in 1954 and Mildred Elley in 1955. She worked at Albany Med before she married William Savoca in 1960, said their daughter, Deborah Raucci.

The couple first lived in Albany before moving to Brandle Road in 1964. “They bred German shepherds and then people wanted them to watch their dogs when they went on vacation,” said Ms. Raucci.

Combining their nicknames — Betsy and Bill — the couple founded Betenbil Kennels, first converting an old barn to dog pens and then, as the business grew, adding other buildings. “They boarded dogs and cats and even a rabbit … She worked hard running the kennel,” said Ms. Raucci.

“She enjoyed creating beautiful creations, whether knitting, crocheting, sewing, or painting,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Her other favorite pastimes were reading, playing piano, watching movies, and researching genealogy.

“She loved to go to the beach and spent many years vacationing in Stone Harbor, New Jersey with family and friends.”

“She always made our Christmasses really special,” said her daughter through tears.

As a stay-at-home mother, Ms. Van der Goes was attentive to her children’s needs. “I’m very petite,” said Ms. Raucci. “So it was hard to find things that fit. She made me lots of sweaters that fit perfectly.”

Ms. Raucci treasures several paintings her mother made, oil paintings of flowers.

“She was very generous with her attention,” Ms. Raucci said. “We didn’t have a lot of money but she spoiled us at Christmas.”

Ms. Raucci went on, “She bought a computer for my younger brother that she used.” In 1983, Ms. Van der Goes received a certificate in computer operation from The Sawyer School.

After she and Mr. Savoca divorced, Ms. Van der Goes worked for the New York State Office of General Services as a computer operator for 16 years, retiring in 2000.

“Betsy was very involved with Alcoholics Anonymous and in August she celebrated 43 years of sobriety,” her family wrote.

“She did a lot for AA; it was a big part of her life,” said her daughter.

Ms. Raucci concluded of her mother, “She was a very independent and courageous woman.”

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Elizabeth van der Goes is survived by her children, Thomas Savoca and his wife, Melodie, of Margate Florida; Deborah Raucci and her husband, James, of Colonie; Karen Tripp of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; and Mark Savoca and his wife, Deborah, of Wharton, New Jersey.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris Raucci of Colonie; Paul Savoca of Los Angeles, California; Alex Tripp of Reading, Pennsylvania; Carlos Savoca of Tampa, Florida; Rachel Savoca of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a step-grandson, Eric Tripp of Redding, Pennsylvania.

She is survived, too, by her brother, Philip van der Goes of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and her sister-in-law, Lorraine Snare, previously of Etters, Pennsylvania; by several beloved nieces and nephews; and by her beloved cat, Lily.

Her brother, Adrian Snare, died before her; he had lived in Etters, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Vision at: https://www.worldvision.org/donate.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.