Bortnick, Elizabeth (Betty) Athans Bortnick, age 103, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2016 at West River Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on May 7, 1913 and was the daughter of the late Harry and Rose Athans. She left school after the 5th grade to care for her eight younger siblings while her parents worked. On October 3, 1936, she married Salvatore J. Pellechia in Brewster, NY. She was widowed in 1951 and remained so for many years before her marriage to John Bortnick on August 27, 1967 who subsequently passed away on January 22. 1985. Over the years, she worked as a clerk at Phil's Market, then Steve's Market, both in Stratford until her retirement in the late 70's. Elizabeth is survived by one son, William Pellechia and his wife Elaine of Williston, Vermont, seven grandchildren, William,Jr, Geoffrey, Michael, Charles, Scott, Brooke, and Suzanne, her beloved sister, Ann Kuchta of Stratford, her special nephew Donald DiGennaro and her loyal niece Nancy Meyers.

Graveside Service will be held on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM in St. Michael's Cemetery celebrated by Rev. Andrew Marus. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Elizabeth's memory to West River Rehabilitation Center, 245 Orange Avenue, Milford, CT, 06461. The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff at West River Rehabilitation Center, for their care and compassion shown to Elizabeth over the past four plus years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home 2220 Main Street Stratford.