Elizabeth Wetzel Knox (“Betty”)
Elizabeth Wetzel Knox (“Betty”) passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, in Bronxville, New York. She was born on August 17, 1934, in the Bronx to Edward A. and Gertrude Fitzpatrick Wetzel. She grew up in Scarsdale, New York, with her five siblings, in a close-knit family that became the model for the one she would later build. Betty attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale and later graduated from Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. She began her career as an Executive Secretary at Young & Rubicam, Inc. in Manhattan.
It was during her evening commute from Grand Central Station to Scarsdale that Betty met the love of her life, William Baylor Knox. Bill was born, raised, and living in Bronxville at the time. They were married on June 22, 1961, and settled in Bronxville, where they raised their three children. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage that lasted until Bill’s sudden passing in 1986.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Baylor Knox; her parents, Edward A. and Gertrude F. Wetzel; her brother, Edward Wetzel; and her sister, Eugenia Kover.
She is survived by her three children: John Baylor Knox (Kathleen) of Bronxville, Susan Knox Hunt (Ross) of Alexandria, Virginia, and William Upshaw Knox (Patricia) of Bronxville. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Kathleen Knox Landy (David), William Baylor Knox, Ross Baylor Hunt, William Charles Knox, Matthew Redding Hunt, Andrew Ryan Knox, and Michael Upshaw Knox, as well as her two siblings, William A. Wetzel and Paul Wetzel.
Widowed at the age of 51, Betty demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience, and independence. She built a life filled with enduring friendships, deep family connections, and countless treasured memories in the Bronxville community she loved.
Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She took immense pride in her children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting their passions, and cherishing every milestone. She was their constant source of encouragement and always their greatest fan.
Betty and Bill were longtime members of Siwanoy Country Club, where she enjoyed golf, bridge, and the enduring friendships that enriched her life. Her weekly bridge games became a cherished constant, filled as much with laughter and conversation as with cards. Bronxville remained the community she embraced and proudly called home.
Her love of sports was a defining part of her life. Betty was a devoted Bronxville Broncos fan, proudly cheering on her children and grandchildren as they competed in and represented their school through many decades. She also faithfully followed the Yankees, Jets, Rangers, PGA Golf, and the college sports teams of her children and grandchildren. A self-described sports junkie, Betty could talk sports with anyone—young or old—and shared her enthusiasm and knowledge of the games she loved right up until the day she died.
Betty lived her life with curiosity, optimism, and a determination to remain connected to the world around her. Even at 91, she was remarkably technologically savvy, using text messaging, FaceTime, and her multiple devices with ease to stay close to family and friends, never wanting to miss a milestone, celebration, or special moment with the people she loved.
Betty will be remembered for her grace, warmth, intelligence, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to embracing each day with optimism. She showed those around her that it is always possible to continue learning, growing, and finding joy throughout life despite the many obstacles she encountered.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 20, at 9:45 a.m. at Church of St. Joseph, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Foundation, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
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