Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Sutcliffe Martin, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Betty was born on May 5, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY to Jane (Harden) and Nathaniel “Bud” Hyland Sutcliffe. She moved with her family to Garden City in 1962, and grew up on Lee Road alongside sisters Marjorie and Natalie, and brothers Tom and George. Betty graduated from St Anne’s School, GC Junior High and GC High School, before obtaining her BS degree in Nursing from Alfred University.  At Alfred she met the love of her life, Phil Martin, and Betty and Phil were married at St. Anne’s Church on June 2, 1979.

Betty began her career as an RN at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  She subsequently worked in hospitals in New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Baltimore before returning to Garden City and taking up nursing duties at Winthrop (now NYU Langone) Hospital in Mineola. Her moves were in tandem with Phil’s growing sales and marketing responsibilities at Johnson & Johnson and later Boston Scientific. Before retiring, Betty was an oncology nurse at Hoag Pavilion in Winthrop, although she never really retired from helping the sick and infirm.

Together, Betty and Phil shared 47 wonderful years of marriage, raising sons Kyle and Tim, with her beloved yellow lab Abby alongside. She worked tirelessly in putting her family first in her life. She had been devoted to her parents’ well-being later in their lives, and she applied this same commitment to her own family.  She supported Kyle and Tim in all aspects of their lives, and could always be found in the stands, whether in Garden City or at college, rooting them on in their respective sports--celebrating wins, consoling after losses, and making sure homework was done. Love of family and community ran deeply throughout Betty’s life. She gave her time and compassion to a number of local causes, including the Cancer Support Group at St. Anne’s Parish and the Andy Foundation, and anyone who needed her.

Growing up in town Betty played shortstop in the nascent GCAA girls’ softball league, and softball and tennis at the high school; later in life she was known as a fierce competitor in any sport involving a racquet at the Garden City Country Club. She also was an accomplished skier on the slopes. She had a strong connection to many people in her life, and her love of friends and friendship, along with her quick wit and joyful laugh, allowed her to find fulfillment and happiness in knowing and touching many, many people, and sharing lively times. 

Whether in Garden City, Saratoga or Bonita Springs, Betty was always at home with the people she loved and she leaves to them her gift of caring, kindness and generosity of spirit—her own special grace.

Betty is survived by her husband Phil, sons Kyle (Aly) Martin and Tim (Lauren) Martin, grandchildren Alice, Harrison and Cameron; sisters Marjorie and Natalie, and brother Tom; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her younger brother George passed away in 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.