Mrs. Betty M. Waitz

July 5, 1923 to April 22, 2016

In Feasterville, PA, at the age of 92, Betty Waitz passed away at her home on the afternoon of April 22, 2016 after several months of hospice care. She was born in Frackville, PA, in 1923, the daughter of the late John and Minnie Walters.

In her later teen years, Betty moved from Frackville to Philadelphia to work as a seamstress in a clothing factory, earning money to send home to support her family. While walking to work, she would say hello to John "Jack" Waitz as she passed the auto repair shop where he worked each day. Jack and Betty had their first date on May 3, 1949, and were married later that month.

Jack and Betty were devoted to each other, and vowed, "Where you go, I go; and where I go, you go." They were married five years before having children; then had four children in six years. They made two promises for their family: there will always be food so that their children will never be hungry, and when the children started school, they would not move and up-root the children. Betty's greatest wish for her children was that "they would always stick together." She was able to witness her family's care and support for each other and re-affirm that promise into the future.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Jack, who stayed by her side through the best and the worst of times. She is also survived by her daughter, Donna (husband Mark); three sons, John (wife Teri), Robert, and Kevin (wife Karen); seven grandchildren, Kevin Waitz, Robert Waitz, Sarah Waitz Koller, Alexander Cohn, Daniel Waitz, Alicia Cohn, and Rebecca Waitz; one great-grandchild, Allison Waitz; her sister Margaret Tench (husband Bill), and her brother, George Walters.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her sisters Alma Burkett, Claire Barb, Marjorie Craft, and Shirley McGarvey, and her brothers Edward and John Walters.

The family expresses gratitude for all the kind thoughts and words from family, friends, and the compassionate professionals helping Betty over the past months. Photos and memories of Betty are welcome if you have any to share.
Although we will miss her deeply, we are comforted knowing she will always be with us, and by knowing her wish for a close knit family will be fulfilled. Please think about Betty and smile.