Elizabeth M. 'Betty' Kearns, had a passion for teaching
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Kearns, 88, of Rehoboth Beach, and formerly of New Castle, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015.
Born March 1, 1926, in Mahanoy City, Pa., she was a daughter of the late James J. McAndrew and Josephine C. Michaeli McAndrew.
Following graduation from Ashland High School in Pennsylvania she attended the University of Pennsylvania. After college, Betty went to work as a secretary for War Shipping in Philadelphia during World War II. Following her passion for children and teaching, she attended and graduated from College Misericodia in Dallas, Pa., with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Following her educational pursuit, Betty began what became a rewarding career as an educator. She enjoyed her profession as a second grade teacher and enlightened the lives of many young students at Silverside Elementary and Castle Hills Elementary. Following 28 years of dedicating her love and passion to teaching children, she retired in 1989.
As an active individual, Betty enjoyed her involvement within the community and especially in education. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima and Sodality, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, Epsilon Chapter of Delta kappa Gamma, Delaware State Education Association, National Education Association and served as chapter recording secretary for the Honorary Teacher's Association.
In her spare time, she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and was an avid reader, especially detective stories, and a card player.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Matthew J. Kearns; a grandchild, Justine J. Kearns; and a sister, Claire A. McAndrew.
Betty leaves many fond memories to her loving husband of 58 years, Francis J. Kearns; two daughters, Elizabeth F. Constant (David) of Fort Mill, S.C., and Mary Clare Jagielski (Mitchell) of Lewes; two sons, Christopher J. Kearns (Kathleen) of New Castle, and Patrick D. Kearns of Earleville, Md.; brother, James P. McAndrew of Baltimore, Md.; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kearns of Wilmington; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Betty will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and educator.
A viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11 at a.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, at Our Lady of Fatima, 801 North DuPont Blvd., New Castle. Interment will follow at All Saints' Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff at Beebe Hospital, Delaware Hospice and to Peggy Carbone of Visiting Angels for the excellent care given to Betty during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
