Elizabeth R. Senfield

Mrs. Elizabeth R. (Bette) Senfield, 87, died Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the Pines Nursing Home. She was the eldest daughter of seven children born to Leo Edward and Teresa Veronica Powers Hussey. Born in Auburn, NY, on February 2, 1922, she attended schools in Auburn and Attica, NY, graduating from Attica High School in 1940. She enrolled in the nursing program at Buffalo General Hospital and began training as a student nurse that fall. She graduated October 5, 1943, and received her Registered Nursing license in January 1944. Bette was a head nurse at BGH until World War II created a desperate shortage of doctors and nurses for the war effort. She enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and was sworn in as a second lieutenant at the Old Custom House in Buffalo on February 28, 1945. She reported to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, March 12, 1945. Lt. Hussey began six weeks of training at Camp Swift in Austin, TX. Afterwards she was attached to the 1882d Surgical Unit and ordered to the Army Regional Hospital at Camp Maxie in Northern Texas. On April 12, 1945, a tornado ripped through Oklahoma. Lt. Hussey was sent from Camp Maxie to Antler's, OK, that evening with the triage team. The town was severely damaged and many were killed and injured. Her unit was cited for its service during this disaster and awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia. The next day she graduated with 450 army nurses. Bette was transferred to Brooke Army Hospital Center at Fort Sam Houston, TX, where she worked until her fianc�e arrived back in the United States. Lt. Eugene L. Senfield, B-17 co-pilot, was liberated from Stalag Luft 1 prison camp in Barth, Germany, May 1, 1945, after fourteen months in captivity. Lts. Gene and Bette Senfield were married November 14, 1945, at Fort Sam Houston. Several weeks later Lt. E.R. Senfield was discharged from the U.S. Army. Gene and Bette returned to Olean, NY, and raised three sons. She worked in pediatrics at Olean Medical Group in the South Union Street and Main Street offices. She enjoyed traveling, bridge, musical, and theatrical productions in Western New York. After retiring in 1986 she taught a medical secretary course at Olean Business Institute. She volunteered at Comstock Hospice, Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging, and Olean General Hospital. She was a member of St. John's Church, the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary, and the Bucktail Chapter of the Military Officer's Association of America. She is survived by her sons Craig (Pamela), Lyle (Claudia), and Gene (Dawn) Senfield, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She leaves a sister Mary A. Erb and two brothers, Robert F. (Helen) Hussey and L. Thomas Hussey. Bette was predeceased by her husband Gene and grandson John David Senfield, as well as two sisters, Rita M. and Carol A. O'Connell, and a brother Alexander B. Hussey. Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State St., Olean from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. in St. John's Church. The Rev. Edward Sheedy, Pastor will celebrate. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Olean General Hospital Foundation or to the charity of the donor's choice.