Betty Mae Pasternak, 97, passed away peacefully on May 13th, 2022 surrounded by her children at the Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville. Born in Harrisburg, PA in 1924, she was the daughter of Clark and Almeda Shenk. Betty was married for 23 years to Joseph F Pasternak of Stanardsville, VA, who passed away in 2015.
Betty was a graduate of The Pennsylvania State College, completing her degree in under 4 years during World War II. She achieved her teaching certificate and returned to Lancaster to begin her teaching career as an elementary school teacher. She was an accomplished artist and very involved in many community organizations during her lifetime. Prior to moving to Charlottesville, she lived in Allentown PA for 40 years during her first marriage. Betty retired to the Forrest Lakes community outside Charlottesville in 1990.
Soon after she moved to Virginia, Betty met Joe Pasternak at a dance at the First Presbyterian Church of Charlottesville. In 1992 they were married, and together they shared many enjoyable years at Joe’s farm in Greene County with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Skyline, and also at Betty’s townhouse in Hollymeade. Whenever possible, they traveled to Europe and vacationed at resorts in the VA countryside. Betty was an active member of The Senior Center of Charlottesville, where she sang in the choir, and was a regular participant in bridge games. She and Joe were also members of the Greencroft Club, where they enjoyed entertaining family and out of town guests.
For the past five years, Betty was a resident at Rosewood Village in Hollymeade, where she continued to paint and enjoyed the busy activities schedule. She will be fondly remembered by staff and residents for her engaging personality, humor, positive outlook, and her hats.
Survivors: Betty will be missed by her children Suzanne K Fry, Julia A Aceto, William C Hacker, Holly S Boyce, and their spouses. She also is survived by her 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by sister Jane Darmstaetter of Lancaster.
Services: A private graveside memorial service will be held later this summer in Lancaster, PA. Online expressions of sympathy may be placed at www.preddyfuneralhomes.com.
Contributions: Memorial donations can be made in Betty’s memory to The Center (Formerly The Senior Center), 540 Belvedere Blvd, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
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