Obituary of Elizabeth Elaine Fabian

Elizabeth “Bette” Elaine Fabian, 99, passed peacefully on April 2, 2022.  Bette was supported by her loving family in many different ways throughout the last weeks of her life.  Born in Schenectady, NY to her late parents, Albert E. and May (Brewer) Droms, she was predeceased by her sister, Hazel Cross and her brother, Donald Droms.  She graduated from Nott Terrace High school. 

From an early age, Bette was captivated by music, and her mother accompanied her on the piano which helped inspire her musical passion into her life’s talent. Bette was a beautiful vocalist, who sang for many choirs throughout the Capital Region: Emmanuel Baptist Church of Albany, Union Street Methodist Church and Chancel Choir of Calvary Methodist Church

On July 15, 1957, she married the love of her life, Paul (Skip) E. Fabian. Together they raised their family in Rotterdam, NY where both Skip and Bette were active in their community. Bette was a member of the Rotterdam District 2 Fire Department Auxiliary and the Rotterdam Townettes Bowling League. Skip was a Lieutenant in the Detective Division of the Rotterdam Police Department and later entered politics as Schenectady County Legislator. Skip's success and dedication to his community and family were made possible because of his supportive wife, Bette. Behind every great man is a phenomenal woman, and Bette was exactly that! In 1995, Skip sadly passed away. Bette carried on as the strong matriarch of her family, which will forever be the most important aspect of her life. 

Skip, Bette and their family enjoyed many beautiful summers on Saratoga Lake, and when the holidays came around it was Bette who made sure each holiday was special for everyone, especially when it came to dessert. 

Throughout her life, Bette found an outlet with her writing, poetry and reading. She journaled often, and always made time to put her thoughts on paper, unless the New York Yankees were playing—her absolute favorite team! Bette was kind and caring and will always be remembered for her love of life, as well as the fun she had trying her luck at the casino or races.

Being 99 years young means you outlive many of your loved ones. Her family finds peace in her passing by faithfully knowing she is reunited with her loving husband, Skip, her parents and other loved ones.

To continue Bette’s memory are her children, Sharon (David) Monroe, Sally Fabian and John (Maryl) Fabian; grandchildren, Kevin Monroe, Christopher (Nicole) Fabian, Ashley Saffer, and Eric (Emily) Fabian; great-grandchildren, Elliana Fabian, Colton Fabian and Easton Fabian; as well as cherished nieces, Judith Norris and Nancy Bowman and their families.

Bette’s family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of West Virginia University Medicine at Berkeley Medical Center for their care and compassion. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral Services will be private for family at the Glenville Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com.