Obituary of Elizabeth Jane (McManus) Flood

Elizabeth "Betty" Flood, 80, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning on October 10, 2015 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. She was born Elizabeth Jane McManus in Oswego, NY as the seventh of ten children in a large Irish family. She moved just after high school to seek fun and opportunities in the big city of Syracuse. In 1957, she met her husband of 56 years, Richard "Dick" Flood, through her love of boating. She might have been just as impressed with the beautifully restored 1948 Chris Craft as the young man behind the wheel. With the birth of her first born in 1960, she became a homemaker and raised four wonderful children. As they got a little older, she took several part-time jobs working at her parish, St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, doing laundry, shopping, and taking care of the Fathers. That led to a 30-year career at Catholic Charities. She started her career at Northside CYO as a bus driver for their youth and senior program, teaching and running the day care program in the morning and running the senior programs in the afternoon. In her later years, she was in charge of the senior meals program at the Bob Cecil Center on the Southside. She is most remembered for her many festive costumes and outfits. Whether driving the bus, or teaching her class or helping seniors, she had a costume for every holiday. Many a senior was happily surprised to find the bus to the center driven by a full-size leprechaun, giant bunny, Mrs. Claus or even a colorful Thanksgiving turkey. On occasion, she could even be seen in costume outside Hall's Big M in Onondaga Hill selling hot dogs. In her free time, she enjoyed camping and boating with her family. In her later years she spent her leisure time at the family vacation home in Tug Hill and touring up and down the east coast with her husband in their RV. Mostly she enjoyed the good times spent with family and friends. Although she didn't ride, Betty spent many years supporting the Toad Hollow Trail Riders Snowmobile Club where she was honored on several occasions for "doing all the work for" and "putting up with" her husband. Her crazy costumes, warm smile, joyous outlook and gregarious spirit endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. Surviving Betty are her beloved husband Dick, her dog, Susie, her children Stephen and wife, Marcia, Debbie and her husband, Michael, Thomas and his wife, Carol Lynn, and Dennis and his wife, Stephanie. her sister, Peggy Gambino, her brothers Jimmy, George, and Artie McManus along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews and friends. Calling hours will be held at Edward J Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave in Syracuse on Friday, October 16 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Onondaga Hill Saturday, October 17 at 10:00 AM. This will be followed immediately by a memorial gathering and celebration of Betty's long, rich life at the American Legion Hall on the Southside at 110 Academy Street. The family requests that you do not send flowers, but instead consider sending a donation to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County; 1654 West Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13204. The Flood's wish to thank their family, friends, the South Jefferson Rescue Squad and the staff at Upstate Medical Center for all their help and support along the way.