Betsy-Eve (Chubbuck) Orlando, 89, formerly of Belmont, New York, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Benchmark Senior Living, Putnam Farm in Danvers, Massachusetts.
Born on December 24, 1936, in Middletown, Connecticut, Betsy grew up with a love of learning and creativity that shaped the course throughout her life. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT where she met the love of her life, Charles “Charley” Orlando. They were married in April 1961 at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and community, first in Connecticut—where their three daughters were born—then in State College, Pennsylvania, and finally in 1972 in Belmont, New York, which became their long-time home.
Betsy devoted more than two decades to teaching Kindergarten at Rushford Central School from 1974 until her retirement in 1995. She cherished her role as an educator, finding deep joy in guiding children through their first school experiences and watching them grow and flourish through graduation. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her calling.
In retirement, Betsy and Charley spent treasured time at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. There, they both taught classes and participated in workshops, forming lasting friendships with fellow artists and makers from across the country who shared their passion for creativity and lifelong learning.
A gifted and versatile artist, Betsy expressed herself through many mediums. She was an accomplished seamstress, lovingly making much of her children’s clothing—from everyday outfits to prom dresses and western shirts worn in horse shows. She was also an avid knitter and created countless Christmas stockings, sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and baby and doll clothes for family and friends. Her talents extended to quilting, basket weaving, stick dolls, altered books, and felting. Her greatest joy, however, was designing and crafting original Santas and dolls—each one unique, imaginative, and unmistakably hers.
Music and theater were also central to Betsy’s life. She was a longtime member of The Genesee Valley Chorus, performing in numerous concerts and forming enduring friendships along the way. She appeared in many productions with the Wellsville Players, delighting audiences both on stage—especially in her favorite role as Mother Superior in Nunsense—and behind the scenes creating original costumes. A devoted theatergoer, she held an annual subscription to Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo and especially loved Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.
As a lifelong reader, Betsy rarely went a day without a book in hand. She preferred the feel of a printed page to a digital screen and believed there was no such thing as too many books! She also had a deep love for animals, all animals. Over the years, the family cared for dogs, horses, goats, and many beloved cats. Her compassion for animals led her to support and participate in several fundraising efforts for the SPCA Serving Allegany County, New York.
Betsy gave generously of her time as a volunteer at the Belmont Literary and Historical Society Free Library and the Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She was also a proud, longtime member of the Allegany Artisans and the Southern Tier Fiber Arts Guild.
Above all, Betsy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. Her home was filled with music, books, fabric, yarn, laughter, and love. She taught by example — showing her family the value of creativity, kindness, curiosity, and community.
She is survived by her daughters: Julia Orlando (Robert Flachbart) of Gloucester, MA; Alison Orlando (John) Haigis of Tolland, CT; and Jessica Orlando (Stephan Meaney) of Naples, FL; her grandchildren, Jackson (Emma Huntington) Haigis of West Hartford, CT and Nina Haigis of Brooklyn, NY; and her sister, Pamela Chubbuck of Crawford, GA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles Orlando; her parents, R. Daniel and Elsa Chubbuck; and her brother, James Chubbuck.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Betsy received from the dedicated teams at Benchmark Senior Living, Putnam Farm and Care Dimensions in Danvers, Massachusetts.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date and location in her hometown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betsy’s memory may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, the Belmont Literary and Historical Society Free Library, or a charity of one’s choosing.
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