Obituary of Elizabeth A. Sorensen

Hilton - Elizabeth A. (Riordan) Sorensen (Betty) passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband, Peter; her sons, Andrew (Gina), Michael, Steve (Kelly), and Jeff (Ginger) Sorensen; her eight grandchildren, Kevin (Whitney), Jacob (Madison), Joshua, Jack, Olivia, Charlie, Delaney, and Elin; her two great-grandchildren, Charleston, and Callum, with a third great granddaughter due in August; her brothers, John (Kathy) and Terry (Donna) Riordan, many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margaret Riordan; her in-laws, John and Astrid Sorensen, Ronald and Nancy Long, and John and Mary Ruth Sorensen; her nephews Harry Sorensen and Charles Long; and her granddaughter, Ava Sorensen.

Having been greatly outnumbered in her household, raising four young active boys with her beloved husband of 58 years, Betty cherished her times with her first daughter-in-law Amy, nieces who were like daughters to her, and her girlfriends.

Betty’s love for children permeated all aspects of her life. She was a longtime elementary school teacher starting in the Rochester City School District before working for more than two decades for the Diocese of Rochester. At one point in her career, she was the Director of Hilton Daycare Center so she could continue to work with children while raising her family. Even after retiring, she often returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the Hilton Central School District. She also served as a member of the Hilton Central School District Board of Education, Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation Commission, and founded the Children’s Choir at St. Leo Church in Hilton.

Betty’s grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. She loved spending time with them and attending their sporting events, dance recitals, and having the kids at the house for sleepovers in which ice cream and movies were always enjoyed! She will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her grandchildren.

All are invited to attend Visitation Hours on Thursday, February 29th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue in Hilton. Betty's Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 1st at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 110 Old Hojack Lane.  

Those wishing may make contributions in memory of Betty to St. Jude Children's Hospital Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105. (click on the charity name to link directly to the donation site)