My friend Betty Lou passed away after a sudden heart attack yesterday.
I am told that she felt light headed after church and decided to take a nap. She never woke up.
Today is the day that her daughter in law is to be induced, as the baby is past due. It is very sad that Betty Lou never got to meet her new grand-baby, but she loved that baby deeply before it was born.
What a bittersweet moment the birth will be later today.
One of my favorite artists for greeting cards and calendars is Marjolein Bastin. I happened to have one of her cards on hand that was very fitting. On the front was a lovely watercolor bouquet of lavender, pansies and white roses and a few sprigs from the bouquet were painted inside.
In it wrote,
Dear R—,
A big hug to you!
E— called me at 1AM this morning to tell me that Betty Lou had gone to be with the Lord. We talked and cried together, remembering what a sweet, kind lady she was.
I am so thankful to have seen both of you at the grocery store last week. It was a busy time of day – the store was crowded with many shoppers – and she didn’t hesitate to get my attention and say hello. This was so typical of her friendly personality, purposefully going out of her way to greet people and to encourage them in the Lord.
Her love for you, M— and S— and the new baby was also a beautiful testimony of a godly woman who saw it as a joy to care for and nurture her family. She wrote to me earlier this year, so tickled, because she had managed to surprise M— for his birthday. She delighted in being a blessing to others.
Betty Lou always followed up on prayer requests, too. After a few weeks of receiving a request, she would always write or ask me in church how things were going. She emailed me little notes to let me know she was praying for me when Tom was traveling, when the children were sick, or after the birth of a baby. There were countless times that her notes brightened my day.
She did not quench the Spirit when the Lord put it on her heart to pray for and encourage me. When I received these notes, exactly at the time I most needed them, it was as if it was God’s way of showing me how much He loved me… working through the actions of your sweet Betty Lou.
I will miss her very much, and I cannot wait to see her again someday. What an honor it was to have had her as a friend. I am thankful for every moment of our friendship.
Today I am praying for you, M— and S— and I am praying for a safe delivery, too, of your precious new grand-baby.
Much love,
SJAPS: This passage reminds me of Betty Lou. Her life was like a fragrant aroma, one who “walked in love.â€
Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
What a beautiful letter- you really have a gift for writing. I know her family will appreciate your note.
I came here from your MOG post.
Elizabeth “Betty Lou†L. Moore, 64, of Coatesville, died on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville.
On Nov. 25, 1967, she married Roland J. Moore Jr. of Coatesville. The couple would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this November.
Born on March 31, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Ruth Berry Stanchick.
A graduate of the former Scott High School, Betty Lou was employed by Bell Telephone Co. as an operator in West Chester and Coatesville.
She was a member of Olive Street Presbyterian Church (formerly Calvary Bible Church), where she was active in church ministries for many years.
She was a major contributor to Lancaster Christian School as a fundraiser, PTA member and participant in ancillary school activities for many years.
She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons, D. Michael Moore and wife, Susan, of Milton, Del., and Timothy Moore and wife, Leslie, of Gainesville, Fla.; three grandchildren, Madelyn Elizabeth, Andrew and Amanda; and a brother, Leonard Stanchick Sr. and wife, Cherylin, of Coatesville.
A brother, Thomas, preceded her in death.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Olive Street Presbyterian Church in Coatesville.
Advertisement
Interment will follow in Grove Methodist Cemetery in West Chester.
A viewing will be held at the church on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m.
In memory of Betty Lou, those who wish may make contributions to the Olive Street Presbyterian Church, 1400 Olive St., Coatesville, PA 19320.
Arrangements are being handled by the Maclean-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 339 W. Kings Highway (Route 340), Wagontown.