Elizabeth 'Betty' Agresta Chaney
July 20, 1923 ~ December 7, 2016
Elizabeth “Betty” (Agresta) Chaney, age 93, of Greenwood, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. She was born in Indianapolis on July 20, 1923, the eldest of the ten children of Saverio (Sam) and Concetta Zappia Agresta, immigrants from Reggio di Calabria in southern Italy. After graduating at the top of her class from St. Mary’s Academy in Indianapolis, Elizabeth was offered a 4-year scholarship to Marian College, but she wanted to help the family financially, so she gave up her college dream and took a job as a secretary at Lonn Manufacturing Company instead. During World War II, Elizabeth was employed at Naval Avionics working on the Norden bombsite, while her husband, Earl, was in the Air Force using it. She spent 12 years at the Caldwell Van Riper Advertising Agency as a media secretary. For 10 years, she was employed as a medical secretary in the Outpatient and Emergency Room at Community Hospital East. For 12 years, she was a medical transcriber for Katterjohn & Stayton, a radiology group. She also maintained a home office for four years, where she did medical transcribing for Eli Lilly-Elanco, two family doctors and a radiologist. Elizabeth was a member of the Johnson County Homemakers, serving as secretary and treasurer for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Lester Earl Chaney; her parents, Sam and Concetta Agresta; sisters, Catherine Agresta, Ann Agresta Fermicola, Angela Agresta Grunkemeyer, Antonia Agresta Gervais, Josephine Agresta Griner and Mary Agresta Rigoli; brothers, Michael and Anthony Agresta. She is survived by her three sons, Gregory (Judy) Chaney of Greenwood, Indiana, Dennis (Sandy) Chaney of Avon, Indiana and Robert (Fernanda) Chaney of Goiania, Brazil; five grandchildren, Scott, Jennifer & Lauren Chaney of Atlanta, Georgia, Jacque Chaney (Mark Cornwell) of Mountain House, California, Ryan Chaney of Indianapolis, Indiana; one sister, Mary Ann (Pat) Amore of Carmel, Indiana; and one great-grandchild, Lena Jade Cornwell. Visitation with be Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. No graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.
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To the Chaney family, We’re so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Prayers for God’s blessings and comfort for each of you during this difficult time.
May “the hearer of prayer” continue to comfort your family, during this most difficult time. Lean on one another for strength as you share the memories that brought you joy. We hope that the many cards,hugs,kind words,and loving prayers sustain your family.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Betty. May the family find comfort from the scripture at Acts 24:15 which says, “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” What a beautiful promise for our future! Your family will be in my prayers.