Betty Ann Munella

She was born on April 3, 1942, in Buffalo, NY, to Herman and Annie Marshall Schneider.

Betty was a lifelong learner and a dedicated educator. She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees in elementary education from the University at Buffalo and enjoyed a highly respected teaching career spanning five decades in the Jamestown Public Schools, particularly at Fairmount and Lincoln Schools. Beyond her work in the classroom, Betty pursued continuous learning, completing numerous hours toward her administrative certification and engaging in coursework on curriculum development and cooperative learning.

Her dedication to others was a hallmark of her character. Betty’s generosity was a gift, expressed through both time and thoughtful acts. She was the heart of her family, always putting others first and creating lasting memories with her grandchildren through storytelling, playing games, baking cookies, and adventurous outings together.

Teaching, for Betty, was not merely a profession, but a way to instill knowledge and compassion in those around her.

Betty’s kindness extended far beyond her family. A gifted communicator and attentive listener, she served on numerous boards and found joy in volunteering. She was a distinguished 50-year member of the American Association of University Women, where she spent 25 years on the Scholarship Committee and held several officer roles. She also served on the Board of the Jamestown Civic Ballet under Shirley Kopp, volunteered with the Children of the Book Summer Reading Program since its inception, and was a devout member of St. James Catholic Church alongside her husband.

Known for her optimism and gentle spirit, Betty had a natural ability to see the good in every situation and person. Her warm presence will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Betty had an unmistakable sense of style, always impeccably dressed, with her coordinated outfits, jewelry, and perfectly arranged hair and makeup reflecting her grace and elegance.

Betty’s legacy lives on through her husband, Jack B. Munella; her daughter, Christine McCauley; her son, Brad Zilliox (Laura Sutliffe); her stepchildren: David (Wendy) Munella, Tina (David) Currie, and Jackie (Brenda) Munella; her grandchildren: Ryan McCauley, Sarah McCauley, Hannah (Mike) Silmser, Brett Zilliox, Brooke (Nate Urquidi) Munella, Allison (Jacis) Blake, Lucas Munella, Kaycee (Zeb) Little, Jake (Katy) Currie, Nick (Katrina Kerkendall) Munella, and Krysta Munella; her great-grandchildren: Declan Silmser, Gabe Blake, and Quinn Currie; her brother, Gary (Karen) Schneider; and her nieces, Kirsten Schneider and Jill Schneider.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving first husband, George E. Zilliox, in 1985, and her son-in-law, Christopher McCauley, in 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church. Rev. Paul Cygan will be celebrant. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2024, at the Lind Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jamestown Public Schools Promise Fund, 197 Martin Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.

To leave a condolence, please visit lindfuneral home.com.