Elizabeth W. "Betsy" Brilliant, a lifelong local area resident, died on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. She was 69.
Daughter of the late Dr. George E. and Louise (Williams) Wortman, she was born in Beacon on May 16, 1947. A graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, she also attended Dutchess Community College and later graduated from the Krissler Business Institute in Poughkeepsie.
Betsy was an active member of the community. For many years, she served as a member and Chairwoman of the Town of Fishkill Zoning Board of Appeals. She was Chairwoman for the Town of Fishkill Republican Committee and later became Chairwoman for the Dutchess County Republican Committee. Following her position as county chair, she went on to serve as Secretary for the New York State Republican Committee.
Throughout her entire life, Betsy loved spending time in coastal Florida, especially Naples and Boca Raton. She enjoyed many hobbies and interests, but especially loved animals.
On June 25, 1966, she married Harold C. "Hal" Brilliant at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Beacon. Hal survives at home in Fishkill.
She is also survived by her daughter, Rebecca Fusaro & her husband Rob of Poughkeepsie; her daughter, Missy DeMattio-Coppola & her husband Vinny of Pleasant Valley; her granddaughters, Nicole and Danielle DeMattio; her sister-in-law, Barbara Cleary; her nieces and nephews along with their families, Matthew Palmatier (Judy), Rhonda White, Scott White, and Paul White (Linda); and many other loving relatives & friends.
Betsy was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Donna Brickner.
Calling hours will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A private burial will be held at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In recognition of Betsy's love for animals, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, PO Box 1129, Beacon, NY 12508; www.arfbeacon.org
For directions, online tributes, and memorial donations, you can visit Betsy's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.