Elizabeth (Betty) Pearsall, 67

February 28, 2019

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Pearsall, 68, of Warwick Twp., died peacefully surrounded by family on February 28, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Originally from West Babylon, Betty was the beloved wife of John Pearsall; mother and best friend of her daughter Megan (Pearsall Roth) Kauffman (David) of Lititz, and loving grandmother to Taylor Elizabeth and Kylie Ann Roth.

Betty is survived by sisters Barbara Jean (Wanner) Boltrek-Kolb of Manheim, and Regina Kuhl (Richard) of East Lansing, MI; brother, William Boltrek (Sheila) of Lehigh Acres, FL; brother-in-law, Robert Boltrek-Goodhart of Wilmington, DE; and many loving nieces, nephews and grandnieces. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Jane Marie (Watson) Boltrek, a brother, Michael Boltrek, and niece, Jane Boltrek.

In addition, and special to Betty, is her very close step-family. Surviving are her step-sisters, Eileen (McCloat) VanGelder of Southold, NY, Patty (McCloat) Modica (Joe) of Smithtown, NY, and step-brother Peter McCloat (Lynn) of Hauppauge, NY, and loving nieces, nephews and grandnieces/nephews. She was predeceased by her late step-mother, Rhoda Trainer (McCloat, Boltrek) Wheaton, sister, Joan (McCloat) Dearborn, and brother-in-law Skip VanGelder.

Betty valued people first. Adult life started with a sighting on the football field in high school. John, the love of her life, brought levity into her otherwise focused and responsible mindset. They enjoyed friendships and extended family time, often hosting parties. The Lititz Craft Show Party was always a blast with continual laughter. Betty’s laugh was infectious.

Betty’s favorite place was the beach. She dug her feet into the sand from Rockaway Beach in NY to the beaches in FL. Having a friend with her provided time to chat between their pages of romance novels.

The birth of their daughter was ‘happy tearful’ which continued through birthdays and holidays. Megan was Betty’s doll; always dressed perfectly; some would say the most beautiful little girl in town. They enjoyed day trips to parks, museums, the boardwalk and lounging in the sun in the family pool. Holidays were celebrated with family and friends who were considered family.

Betty exuded love with the birth of her granddaughters. She and John were always available for whatever their needs. Betty wanted them to understand the past. For example, Taylor and Kylie played with the family China and sometimes had afternoon tea! Betty would say “If something gets broken, so be it; they will understand the beautiful things from the past!”

Other than making Dinty Moore beef stew once, there wasn’t much Betty couldn’t do in the homemaking department. She had a good eye for color and wasn’t averse to picking up a ladder and paint cans. Her natural talents turned their house into a comfy home. She enjoyed making curtains, quilting wall hangings and blankets, making Christmas tree decorations and so much more. While retired, Betty crocheted hats for the newborns at W&B Hospital. Everybody wanted Betty to pull their name for Secret Santa gifts!

Professionally, Betty was committed to her nursing profession. She graduated from Philadelphia General Hospital (some say because she liked the cap!) and challenged herself through her 34 years at Lancaster General Hospital. Betty mentored many nurses with patience and gentleness; she never ate the young! She rose in the ranks and never lost sight of who she was, always genuine. A highlight for Betty were trips to the Philippines to hire qualified and hard-working nurses to immigrate to the US. She also assisted with their welcome to the Lancaster community and helped as they assimilated into our culture. She recently recalled walking through thigh high snow to get sleep at a friend’s apartment so she could return to work during the Blizzard of 78. Some would say things were different then!

Betty’s career concluded with 10 years consulting while working at Saxton and Stump Law Firm, Lancaster. Betty coordinated the needs of many physician office practices and her consultation services helped them provide up to date care to their patients, thereby reducing risk to the patients and physician practices.

On behalf of Betty, thank you to the physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, technicians and delivery people for their guidance, expertise and kindness through this difficult illness over the past 2 years. “Our Betty” will be missed and never forgotten.

“I do my thing and you do your thing.

I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,

And you are not in this world to live up to mine.

You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it’s beautiful. …”

Fritz Perls

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services to be held on Sunday, March 3, at 4:00 PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, 17543, where a viewing will take place from 2-4 PM. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.