Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Lelio, 88, a resident of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, formerly of New Hartford, Clinton, and Syracuse, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the nursing home. Betty was born in Syracuse, NY on December 21, 1924, the daughter of Frank B. and Anne M. (King) McAllister. She was raised and educated in Syracuse, graduating from Most Holy Rosary High School. On March 29, 1951, Betty married the love of her life, Joseph J. Lelio, sharing a blessed union of 62 years. Betty was a communicant of St. Thomas Parish in New Hartford, where she was an inveterate volunteer. She was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Legion of Mary, and she often led the recitation of the Rosary after daily Mass. Betty received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford in honor of her many years of volunteer service. Betty and Joe founded the Toy Project, a non-profit organization focused on providing toys to impoverished children in Utica, NY. Betty loved gardening, stained glass art, dancing, and card games. She made holidays very special for her children and grandchildren. Betty is survived by her husband, Joseph, New Hartford; four sons and daughters-in-law, James J. and Bernie Lelio, Marcy, Arthur F. and Susan Lelio, Canastota, Robert J. and Lisa Lelio, Webster, NY, Andrew B. and Sylvie Lelio, Lee, NH; one daughter and son-in-law, Bernadette and Timothy Doherty, Penfield, NY; one sister, Sr. M. Lenore McAllister, Scranton, PA; eight cherished grandchildren and one great grandchild as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Anna McAllister; four brothers, Thomas F. (Frank) McAllister, James J. McAllister, John W. (Jack) McAllister, Charles E. McAllister; four sisters, Loretta M. Hoag, Ann L. Miller, Catherine B. (Bernie) Miller, Rose M. Brady; and dear friends, Margaret Cochrane, Mary Kistner, and Jo Alexander. Mrs. Lelio's funeral will take place on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Church, New Hartford, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. A Private interment in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Clinton will take place at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Those wishing may donate to St. Thomas Church, to the Presbyterian Home for CNY, or to the Covenant House for Homeless Children in Betty's memory. Betty's family wishes to extend their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Presbyterian Home for CNY for the loving care and compassion given to Betty during her stay.