Obituary of Betty Birge

Betty J. Thomas Birge Betty J. Thomas Birge, 87, died peacefully at her daughter's home in Millcreek on Sunday, April 22, 2012. She had been in declining health for several months. Betty was born on January 27, 1925 in Wapwallopen, PA. She was the daughter of the late L. Bruce and Verna Fenstermacher Thomas. Betty lived for many years in Berwick, PA, where she worked for the Sherman Jewelry Store, Weis Potato Chip Company, Milco Industries, and the Roman Pub Restaurant. She was also a past member of Bower Memorial United Methodist Church. She then traveled and lived in Alaska, Arizona, and Texas, before spending the last 24 years of her life in Erie, PA. She thoroughly enjoyed all of her travels over the years, and with her heart-warming personality, she made many endearing friendships along the way. She loved to read novels and Reader's Digest, bowl, sunbathe, watch TV, and enjoyed raising her Yorkshire terriers, Schatzie and Misty. The highlight of each year was football season, when she would cheer for her favorite teams: the Berwick High School Bulldogs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints. Betty was a dedicated and loyal worker in all the positions she held, and she was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Everyone will miss her dearly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow E. Birge, who passed away in 1989; and her sisters, Janice Kishbaugh, Shirley Veale, and Ethel McQuown. She is survived by her "favorite" son, Larry Schnorr, of Broussard, LA; her "favorite" daughter, Deborah Esper, and her husband, Dr. Alan Esper, of Erie, PA; one beloved sister, Isabel Bower, of Berwick, PA; step-daughter, Gail Guillot, and her husband, Jay, of Bryan, TX; five grandchildren - David Schnorr of Pueblo, CO; Bethel Gilmore and her husband, Chris, of Broussard, LA; Michael, Jillian, and Laura Esper of Erie, PA; five great-grandchildren — Jared Schnorr and his wife, Zona, of Colorado Springs, CO; Andrew and Mateya Schnorr of Pueblo, CO; and Samantha and Charlee Gilmore of Broussard, LA. She is also survived by three nieces — Judy Fenstermacher and her husband, Ed, of Skaneateles, NY; Sherri Ann Kishbaugh of Berwick, PA; Cathy Sirak and her husband, Steve, of Hunlock Creek, PA; two nephews — Dennis Veale and his wife, Donna, of Philadelphia, PA; George McQuown of Berwick, PA; and a very special and dear friend, Doreene McCoy, of Clinton, MS. The family is grateful to the wonderful care that Betty received at Millcreek Community Hospital and the Millcreek Manor. In addition to the excellent doctors, nurses, and aides who cared for Betty, the family extends a heartfelt thank you to Regional Home Health nurses and aides, and AseraCare Hospice, particularly Kate and Darla, who tenderly cared for Betty during her final weeks of life. To honor Betty's wishes, no calling hours will be observed. Burial will be private and held at a later date for the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made in her name to: The Humane Society of Northwestern PA, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506; The John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501; or to the charity of one's choice. The Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. is handling arrangements. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video