Mary Elizabeth "Betty "Schwager Burnaford, died on December 21, 2016 at the age of 96 at the Brethren Village, Lancaster PA, where she was a resident for the past 16 years. She was the loving mother of six children: Gail Burnaford, Don Burnaford, Lois Hudson, Al Burnaford, Edward Burnaford, and William Burnaford, as well as the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. During her residency at the Brethren Village, Betty was well known for her musical contributions. She accompanied two choirs, as well as soloists and played often in the Brethren Village Chapel concerts and services. Throughout her life, Betty loved music and participated actively as a pianist from her early days in school. She often accompanied her late husband William Burnaford. She was the daughter of the late Doris Monie Schwager, a singer, and the late Harry Schwager, a violinist. She was raised by her Aunt Julia Schwager and worked for Bell Telephone Company in Wilkes-Barre, PA, before marrying her husband and moving to Lancaster in 1957.
Betty was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. She enjoyed playing bridge and thrived on being with people. As one of her grandchildren commented, Betty chose to live her life as 'a glass half full.' She saw the good in people, was quick to forgive and always found the positive in things. Her family was undoubtedly the center of her life. She repeatedly said, "I am blessed". In fact, all were blessed who knew and loved her. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA on Monday, December 26that 4 p.m. Friends may visit with the family in the Chapel from 3:30 – 4:00. Betty loved animals, especially dogs, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) (www.aspca.org) or to the Brethren Village. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services in Quarryville. To sign the guestbook, please visitwww.dewalds.com Comments are closed.
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