Martha E. "Betsy" Schroeder, died at Heartland Hospice Home in Wilmington, Del. Sunday, May 18. She was 65. She was born March 5, 1949 in Oak Park, Ill., daughter of the late Frederick Schroeder and Marjorie (Polkow) Schroeder. She grew up in Riverside, Ill., attended St. Mary School, Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park and Western Illinois University. Ms. Schroeder had a gift for language. She taught herself French through educational records and by corresponding with a pen pal from France during grammar school and high school. She studied German in high school and during her studies, travelled to Austria and Germany, which whetted her appetite for travel.
At Western Illiinois University she majored in German, French and English and received her teaching degree for all three languages. While at WIU she formed many lifelong friendships. Citing her love for travel, she began a 17-year career as a flight attendant for Capitol International Airlines. Flights to many countries in Europe, including the UK, led to her love for the city London. She made more than 18 trips back to the UK with family and friends, most frequently with her sister and brother in law, Linda and Tom. When Capitol Airline closed, Betsy's love of books led her to accept a position with Borders Book Store. She worked there for many years until she found her "dream job" at the Cecil County Library in North East. Ms. Schroeder had a passion for gardening at her home and at work. She created a Victory Garden at the Cecil County Library in North East which she and the children of the Cecil County tended with love. The garden has now been named "Betsy's Garden" in her memory. She loved life in North East as she was surrounded by many wonderful friends, both lifelong and new. Two dear friends in particular – Luan and Helga – were constant presences during her adult life and her illness. She is survived by her sister, Linda Pavlik (Tom) and brother, Jim (Donna). She was the aunt of many nieces and nephews, including three great nephews and a great niece. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m., from Crouch Funeral Home, North East. Visitation and Services will be held Thursday, May 29, 10-11 a.m. Burial will be in Charlestown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may may be made to the Cecil County Library, North East, and the American Cancer Society. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
December 2018
Categories |