Bette Wefso Hagel

Bette Lou Wefso Hagel passed from this earthly realm on August 23, 2023, in Jacksonville FL. Bette was born in Chadron NE on March 16, 1924, the daughter of Robert Wefso, Sr. and May Conn Wefso. Her fondest memories of growing up in Rushville NE was watching her father compound and fill prescriptions at his drugstore. Graduating Rushville High School, she followed her father in his profession by graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy (1945) as a Registered Pharmacist. At UN, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (social) and Kappa Epsilon (pharmacy) sororities.Bette married her high school sweetheart Donald R. Hagel in 1944, prior to his deployment to the European theatre during WWII. During this time, she worked as a Pharmacist at Lincoln (NE) General Hospital, and afterward at Immanuel Hospital (Omaha) while Don attended medical school and where their first child Gregory Sawyer was born (1950). After Don completed his internship at University Hospital (Omaha), Bette and family moved to Jacksonville FL where they welcomed daughters Jennifer Roberta (1954) and Robin Christina (1957).

Bette served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader (6 yrs) and was PTA President at both Stockton Elementary School and Lakeshore Jr. High (Jax). She was President of PEO Chapter CF and President of Women of the Church at St. Marks Episcopal Church, where she was active as Chalice Bearer and Lay Reader. Her volunteer activities included Meals on Wheels and, especially, with the American Cancer Society beginning in 1960. As a breast cancer survivor, she was instrumental in starting (with 7 other women) the ACS “Reach for Recovery” program in 1970 for breast cancer patients. She helped instigate the ACS “Hospital Based Units” in 3 Jacksonville hospitals. She was recipient of the WTLV Channel 12 “Twelve Who Care” award for outstanding volunteer service to the community (1988). In 1990, she was made an Honorary American Cancer Society Life Member and received the coveted “Therese Lasser Award”.

In addition to her altruism, Bette prized her role as wife & mother. She was the consummate hostess, creating lasting memories of holiday gatherings, especially her fabulous gourmet-quality cuisine. Bette and Don enjoyed their summer weekend getaways to their bungalow on White Sands Lake in Keystone Heights and holiday trips back to their Nebraska families. In later years, they gathered the extended family for cruises to the Bahamas and weekends on Amelia Island and St. Simons Island. They traveled the world together - first, with Greg, Jenn and Robin, then later as empty nesters with close friends. Bette doted on her grandsons Matt and Andrew who greatly appreciated her thoughtful unique gifts. She had exquisite style in her dress and her impeccably decorated homes, which were featured in Southern Living (3x), Better Homes & Gardens and House Beautiful. Her commitment to her faith and St. Marks Church community was deep and admirable. Bette enjoyed her leisure time at Timuquana Country Club poolside with her children (then later with grandsons) and her days of camaraderie with her PEO sisters, Riverside Woman’s Club and the Garden Club. She was an accomplished (some say ruthless) bridge player.

Bette is predeceased by her parents; her husband of 69 yrs. Dr. Don Hagel; her brothers Frederick “Fritz” and Robert “Bobby” Wefso; her son Greg Hagel and daughter Robin Cooper. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Pate (Rob), Peachtree City GA; her daughter-in-law Katherine [Lagasse] Hagel, Tallahassee FL; her grandson Matthew Hagel (Kimberly), great-grandson Sawyer, Thomasville GA and great-granddaughter Lexi Grove, Naples FL; her grandson Andrew Hagel (Shirley), Philadelphia PA; her sister-in-law Mary Anne Wefso (Fritz), Rushville NE; and beloved nephews and nieces and grand/great-grand nephews and nieces.

A special acknowledgement is due the staff of Sodalis Jacksonville (formerly Elmcroft) for their kindness and gentle caregiving of Bette for the last twelve years, notably Erin Caputo and Shelby.

A memorial service and interment of cremains will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Ave., Jacksonville FL., Monday October 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Hagel family.