The room was packed, underscoring the many lives touched by Little through her years of public service; initially as a member, then chair, of the Town of Queensbury Recreation Commission, nine years as a member of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, seven years as a member of the New York State Assembly, and now serving her ninth term as senator.

A former teacher and realtor, Little is the mother of six children – Elizabeth, David, Robert, Thomas, Carolyn and Luke – and the proud grandmother of 18. Her 45th district, at more than 6,800 square miles, is larger than the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined and includes two cities, 83 towns, 20 villages and the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation at Akwesasne.

Tupper Lake Mayor Paul Maroun illustrated Little’s accessibility and willingness to travel to meet with her constituents, joking that she had been present at more events in his community than he had.

“In most situations in Tupper Lake, at most events in Tupper Lake, there was a time that I thought Betty Little was at more of them than I was,” said Maroun. “So, you can tell how she gets around this district. As the senator often told me, jobs in the North Country create rescue squads, volunteer fire departments, and the list goes on and on. She’s a person that cares about everybody in this room; politics doesn’t matter. She has heart. Betty Little cares that there are roads, bridges and everything else that makes a Tri-Lakes community a Tri-Lake community.”

“When Senator Little was first running for office, I had just opened on Main Street across from the speedskating oval, and she came in to see me,” said Terry Robards. “She said, ‘Hello, I’m Betty Little, and I’m running for office, and I’d like your support.’ I said, ‘Well, you’re the only one who has come to see me. So far, you’re ahead of the game.’ Here I was a total newcomer, and she was at my door to share her views and ask for my vote. But that was like Betty; she went out and covered the territory.”

A Republican conservative, who forged friendships and the ability to work across the aisle, Little became the go-to person for any issue concerning the Adirondacks. Her advice and assistance were sought by colleagues in the Senate, members of the Assembly, and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with whom she developed a good working relationship to the benefit of her constituents.

Recently retired North Elba town Supervisor Roby Politi described Little not as a politician but as a statesman, a person always thinking about the next generation. He said she was not only his best partner but the best partner all the communities in her district had when it came to addressing challenges and creating a better foundation for the future.

Moriah town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava echoed Politi’s remarks, saying how, when a constituent called Little’s office with a complaint or concern, she was often the one who would call them back. Scozzafava described her as a hands-on person who had great compassion for her constituents, and as a great friend. He said he learned from her patience, tolerance, perseverance and the art of compromise.

Wilmington town Supervisor Roy Holzer described how Little first, as an assemblywoman, now as a senator, as been there for the town time and time again. He described her as a “go-to” person for small-town government leaders. Holzer likes her down-to-earth personality, her thoughtfulness, and show well she represented her constituents regardless of their political party. Longtime WCAX and now Mountain Lake PBS reporter Jack LaDuke, of Saranac Lake, remembers first meeting Little in Newcomb. She was riding in a stagecoach celebrating President Teddy Roosevelt’s dash out of the mountains in 1901. He noted that in contrast to many politicians, any time LaDuke called her for an interview or comment, she either took his call or got back to him soon.

After being introduced with great applause, Little started by saying that she was almost speechless, almost, but not quite. She said she was blown away by the turnout and all the wonderful words said. First, she thanked everyone for voting for her, as if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t have had the opportunity to serve the North Country, and, most importantly, had a chance to get to know them. Little said she planned to retire when she reached 80 years old and having done so (as the media often mentions thus no secret), she is following through. She turns 80 in September and will retire at the end of the year. Little said it was a hard decision, but once made, she had a great sense of relief.

Yes, there are lots of things she hadn’t yet accomplished, some that she would have done differently, but she felt it’s time. And she’s full of gratitude.

Little concluded by saying, “I love all of you. Now you’ll no longer be my constituents; you’ll be my friends.” She was then given a giant Key to the Adirondacks that she held aloft surrounded by other elected officials to great cheers and whistles from those crowded around.

“I’ve learned that you always have to be honest about how you feel about things, about what you can do and what you can’t do,” said Little after the ceremony. “You can tell them you think you can help them, but be honest if you know you can’t. I’ve become a better listener. Raising six kids, who all had different opinions all the time, teaches you how to listen. I think that became one of my better skills, being able to sit down with opposing groups or groups that weren’t seeing eye to eye and try to work things out. Being a mother is the best preparation for this job there is.”

Little hopes that whoever follows her will listen to the people of the district. She said that the North Country is a terrific place filled with many good people who are working hard to improve their communities. She said volunteering is second nature to people in the Adirondacks and, indeed, throughout her whole district.

“I loved being their senator,” said Little. “It’s been a wonderful experience. I hate to see it end, but I know it’s time.”