Elizabeth (Betty) Polito Ostrander Christopher, 87, of Baden, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2026. She spent her last 10 days under wonderful care, surrounded by family and friends who came to say goodbye and tell stories at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.
Betty was born in Ambridge on October 14th, 1938, a daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Polito. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James (Marianne) Christiana, her brother, Russell (Lucille) Christiana, her sister, Catherine (Sam) Lashuk, her special sister of the heart, Theresa (Daniel) Wozniak and her husbands, Walter Ostrander and Bill Christopher.
She is survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Julie & Alan Auble and Elizabeth & Michael Steinmetz and the grandchildren who adored her: Matthew & Allison Auble, Mitchell & Brittany Auble, Steven Dobbins, Megan (Dobbins) & Kody Kocol. She had three great-grandchildren, Magnolia, Jace and Montgomery Auble. She also loved her step children and their families who came into her life as adults, Adam Christopher & his daughter, Sara and Lisa Harding, & her son, Adam. She will be forever cherished by a large extended family of nieces and nephews and cousins, and so many friends of all ages.
Elizabeth was raised in Ambridge and formed many lifelong friendships there. She raised her family in Cranberry Township, adding many more long-time friends, and eventually returned to Baden where she lived and spent many years with family and friends around her. From her earliest years, three things stood out about Betty. She loved people and people loved her. She surrounded herself with loyal friends and could turn a stranger into a friend in just a few moments with them. Her laughter and love of life drew people in and her loyalty kept them in her life. Everyone knew they could stop at her house day or night and be met with food for the body and the soul. She loved music. She had a beautiful voice and a great memory for music. She knew the lyrics of thousands of songs and used music to reach out when words might fail. From Broadway to pop to country to rock, music was a part of her and she never missed a chance to see a live show or concert, especially if it was at a casino. She loved animals. Her big heart extended to all of God’s creatures. She always took care of her cats, stray animals, and wildlife, no matter where she lived. In her later years, caring for her beloved cats and the poor abandoned animals in the area gave her purpose and filled her heart.
In accordance with Elizabeth’s request, there will be no funeral or viewing. Instead, she wanted everyone to remember her being full of life and love. Her family will gather at a later date for a final farewell. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.
Donations in her name can be sent to Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, 129 State Route 168, Darlington, PA 16115, or Good Samaritan Hospice House, 146 Neely School Rd, Wexford, PA 15090.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Christopher, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.