MIDDLEBURGH — Betty Lockwood, an innovative teacher, died peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

She had celebrated her 100th birthday in February, and had been residing in San Clemente, California with her daughter, Lynette.     

“Betty graduated from Greenville High School and attended Oneonta State Teachers College,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She began her teaching career at the one-room schoolhouse in Westerlo, and went on to develop the first special-education class at Berne Knox Central in 1965. Always an innovator, she concluded her 30 years of teaching at the Rensselaerville Primary School with an emphasis on outdoor education and cooperative learning.

“Betty loved to bake, and was well known for her cinnamon buns and pumpkin pies. She knitted beautiful sweaters, afghans, and baby blankets for all of her grandchildren, and taught weaving to friends and family.

“She was a partner in Lockwood Greyhound Racing with her son, Stephen, for over 40 years. In her free time, Betty enjoyed birdwatching, wildflower identifications, and reading romance novels.

“She was a devoted wife to Edward Lockwood for over 45 years until his passing in 1990. In 2000, she married George VanWie and enjoyed living in Middleburgh for over 20 years.

“Betty lived a life full of love, compassion, and generosity. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those she touched over the many years.”

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Betty Lockwood is survived by her son, Stephen Lockwood, and by her daughter, Lynette Malloch; by her grandchildren, Quinn Pranevich, Ian, Trevor, and Nigel Malloch; and by her great-grandchildren, Woodrow, Toby, Isla, Otto, and Indigo Malloch.

Visiting hours will be Saturday, Aug. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville, followed by a service of remembrance at 3 p.m.