Elizabeth (Reynolds) Grzybowski, 87, formerly of Scotia, NY, passed away in Palm City, FL, following a long illness on December 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was known to all as “Liz” and she was the beloved wife of the late Jim Grzybowski for 50 years.

Born in Middletown, Connecticut, on September 13, 1938, Liz was one of six children to the late Thomas J. and Julia (O’Neill) Reynolds. She was raised in Haddam, CT, by her Irish immigrant parents, and was the tomboy of the siblings, but still found her fashionable side. She marched as a majorette, and she was deeply competitive and loved to play baseball, earning the nickname “Homerun Betty. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown, CT, and Connecticut Teachers College. She went on to teach in Sarasota, FL, and Greenwich, CT.

As a special education teacher for nearly 44 years, Liz taught and impacted thousands of students throughout her career at Pashley, Glenhaven, and Stevens Elementary Schools within the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District. Additionally, she served on the Board of Schenectady Montessori and many BHBL curriculum boards, ensuring that accommodation and instructional modifications were made for those students whose reading skills had yet to blossom. Liz created a warm and inviting learning space for all her students to grow & progress, and through the years, she loved to hear from former students.

When she met her future husband, Jim, at the Dock and Dine in Old Saybrook, CT, her destiny was written. They married at the Gelston House in East Haddam, CT, and motored away from Goodspeed Landing. That sendoff solidified that boating was going to be a large part of Liz's life. She and Jim spent many years boating on Lake George and Block Island, and in Boca Raton and the Bahamas. Liz spent many a day filleting fish on the aft of the Midnight Mayor. If not there, Liz could be found in the galley whipping up delicious appetizers from Captain Jim's daily catch.

Nothing was more important to Liz than her family. She was her daughter's loudest cheerleader, and she was forever proud of her husband’s efforts as he worked to grow his family’s business, Mohawk Sign Systems, Inc., a business that is now entering its 80th year. Furthermore, Liz took a great deal of pride in her grandchildren and their endeavors, particularly enjoying their successes in rugby, percussion, softball, and dance.

Liz is survived by her daughter, Bettina, and son-in-law Neal Dill of Guilderland, NY, and her four grandchildren, Hanover, Richmond, Irene, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Dunn. She was predeceased by her brothers Tom, Jim, and John Reynolds and her sister, Julia Kasprow.

A Celebration of Life will be held in January, after which there will be an internment alongside Jim at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery in Schenectady, NY.

Memorial contributions can be made to Christian Brothers Academy Band https://cbaalbany.org

or Saratoga Performing Arts Center Summer Ballet Series https://www.spac.org/donate