Elizabeth Julia Dively, know as ‘Grambo’
Elizabeth Julia ‘Grambo’ Dively passed away peacefully with her daughter and son, Sharon and Rob, and grandson Bobby by her bedside at 2 p.m., at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.
Bette was born in Lilly, Pa., Dec. 22, 1926, and at 94, was the last survivor of 14 siblings, the seventh child born to the late Thomas and Beatrice Nagle. She was the beloved wife of the late Sherwood “Woody” Dively; mother to Sharon Muir, Robin Dively, the late Marcia Serio and Woody Dively. Grambo is survived by 8 eight grandchildren, Tina Morgan, Mike Serio, Bobby and Shannon Muir, Tony, Danny, JR, Angela and Nick Dively. She also was survived by eight great-grandchildren Zach and Steve Vannoy, Katie Jovinelli, Kyle Serio, Joey Morgan, Jaxon, Kannon and Beckitt Dively.
Bette retired bookkeeper and supervisor in the General Comptroller’s Dept. of Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Co. (AMERITAS Life Insurance Corp.) after 24+ years. Bette and Woody resided in Lewes, and were members and active participants of the Cape Henolopen Senior Center of Rehoboth Beach.
Born Elizabeth Julia Nagle in a small town in the hills of Pennsylvania. Bette was 2 when she got the measles and became blind in her left eye. You would never know it as the woman had eyes like a hawk. She had a 10th grade education but had smarts and common sense, a deadly combination. Using these powers, she got a job as a seamstress in her early life - 10 cents apiece, and made enough money to support herself, and then along came Sherwood I. Dively.
Betty, very conscience about her appearance, felt she wasn’t attractive enough for this young stud. Not at all; the two fell in love; she was the apple of his eye, and wedding bells could be heard from miles around. The pair became inseparable, set up a home and life was good. Bette and Woody were blessed with four beautiful children, but life in the hills was tough and work wasn’t plentiful for the pair, and even more troubling with so many mouths to feed. Woody was laid off, and Betty picked up the slack and did odd jobs. Woody became an avid pool shark, was quite the card player, and shot marbles to win money in order to support his clan.
Moving several times over the years, they finally moved in with Bette’s parents and God blessed them both as the pair landed jobs the same day at Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Washington, D.C. From rags to riches their story began, they were on their way to a more prosperous life. Together they raised a beautiful family and grandchildren came along one by one. Devoted to their family, they developed a unique and special bond with each individual of the family as it grew and a true celebration of life began.
After 25 years the pair retired to Lewes and became actively involved in St. Jude’s Church, Cape Henlope Elks Lodge, American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and the Cape Henolopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach. They enjoyed life to the fullest. Woody, in his sharp dressed suits and Bette, matching his attire in her snappy after five outfits and stylish hats, stood out in any crowd, and were instantly welcomed and loved by all. After Woody joined the Lord in paradise at age 74, Bette although heartbroken, remained strong and continued on her journey, staying busy and devoted her life to her family and friends, and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Bette loved teaching line dancing, acting, bowling, and throwing together a stack of pancakes for the senior center. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening and yard work. She took the lead for 25 years at the senior center and taught line dancing and stared in many plays and productions at the senior center. Although extremely shy a Star was Born. After living mostly on her own, in 2014 shortly before Sharon’s hubby Bob passed, Grambo moved in with her daughter and the two became inseparable, traveling between Delaware, Maryland and Florida living life by the seat of their pants and enjoying every moment. The dynamic duo was a pair to be reckoned with until her unexpected death.
Bette had a long life and lived thru 15 presidents with Trump being her favorite. She lived life and died on her own terms. She may have been candid at times; you always knew where you stood, she pulled no punches. She wouldn’t ever intentionally hurt your feelings for the world and had a heart of gold. She is where she wants to be and finally reunited with the loves of her life, hubby Woody, daughter Marcia and son Woody jr. and those loved ones who preceded her just before Valentine’s Day. A perfect ending and final chapter to her journey. She is now resting in peace in the house of the Lord. She loved “Little House on the Prairie” and would always say when she passed to tell everyone “Please remember me with laughter, happiness and joy for that is how I will always remember you all, but if you can only remember me with sorrow, sadness and tears, please don’t remember me at all. Live life to the fullest loved ones until will meet again.”
Family and friends can sign her guestbook at the family-owned Beall Funeral Home website (6512 NW Crain Hwy., Route 3 South, Bowie, Md. 20715). Due to COVID restrictions and guidelines, a viewing, Mass Service and celebration of life is being planned in the spring of 2021 after the weather breaks. Friends and family can contact Sharon Muir on Bette’s cell phone 240-375-8972 to express interest in attendance. Once a guest list has been determined details regarding final burial arrangements will be sent under separate cover.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Cancer Society in her memory.
