Elizabeth “Bettie” Veshecco

Elizabeth A. "Bettie" (Bartone) Veshecco, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 just 12 days short of her 102nd birthday. She was born on September 15, 1923 in Ashtabula, Ohio, a daughter of the late Felix and Christine (Evangelista) Bartone. Elizabeth was one of six children.

Bettie attended Strong Vincent High School. Early in life, she worked at the family market and later at Erie Resistor. On September 22, 1946, she married Mike Veshecco, and together they lovingly raised a family of five children. Once her children were grown, Bettie returned to the workforce, joining GTE Yellow Pages, where she remained until her retirement years later.

She was a consummate hostess, known for organizing lively gatherings, picnics, and the annual Bartone family picnic alongside her beloved husband for many years. As the proud family matriarch, she carried the title with grace and warmth. A dedicated member of the Italian American Women's Association, she also volunteered her time at St. Paul's soup kitchen. Cooking was not just a passion-it became a source of healing after the profound loss of her husband and two sons, especially when preparing cherished family favorites such as love cake, strega, and pizzelles. She loved teaching and passing on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the traditional family recipes. She found joy in playing bocce, tending to her garden, and arranging flowers. For the past 12 years, she lived at The Regency at South Shore, where she was well-loved for sharing her famous love cake and pizzelles with staff and fellow residents alike.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mike in 1999; her sons, Keith (2012) and Mike, Jr. (2014); her siblings Barts (Millie), John, Lee Amato (Sam), Mike (Sue), and Edith Christos.

She is survived by her children, Kris Petulla (John) of Erie, Gary (Marla) Veshecco of Erie, and Lisa Veshecco of New York; six grandchildren, Erin, Nathan, Adam, Alyssa, Brett, and Emma; 7 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank the staff at the Regency at South Shore for the care given to Bettie over the years.

Family and friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a service there on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul Church, 1617 Walnut Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Erie City Mission, 1017 French St., Erie, PA 16501.