Betty Olsen Germaine

Betty (Zarth) Olsen Germaine, formerly a long-time resident of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away peacefully March 21st, 2017. She was 94 years old and lived the last year in the home and care of her son, Glenn, in Tampa.

Betty was born in Chicago on December 30th, 1922. She was raised by wonderful parents, Iva and Charles Zarth, and she had one sister, Beulah Brand (deceased). She met her first husband, Martin Olsen Jr. (deceased), when attending business college in Chicago. Betty and Martin were married while Martin served in the Marines during WWII. Betty is survived by her children, Gail (Les) Eastling, Cary, NC; Gwen Lappie, Lowell, IN; Glenn Olsen, Tampa, FL; Gaye Olsen, Brooksville, FL; David (Ginny) Germaine, West Orange, NJ; and many grandchildren.

Betty and Martin raised their children on Lake Dalecarlia in Indiana. She helped Martin develop Dalecarlia Fairways and was active in her Sorority, Dalecarlia Women’s Club, Dalecarlia Community Church and other civic interests. She and Martin moved to Fort Wayne in 1967 to open a Franchise of the Deltona Corporation who were 1960’s era developers of Deltona, Marco Island, and Spring Hill.

In 1971 Betty and Martin relocated with their two younger children, Glenn and Gaye, to Marco Island. She continued in real estate in the early development years of the Island before relocating to Spring Hill in 1974. Betty continued to work in real estate for the Deltona Corporation in Spring Hill before taking over Martin’s office with Beacon Woods developers after his death in 1977.

Betty married Richard Germaine (deceased) in 1979. They owned the Spring Hill Realty Shoppe and Betty was active as a Realtor/Broker and served on the Hernando County Board of Realtors until Dick’s passing in 1998. Betty continued to be active as a staff volunteer with Hospice of Pasco-Hernando County, a local women’s bowling league, and senior tap dance class well into her 80’s. She moved into Timber Pines and more recently lived in The Residence of Timber Pines where she received the marvelous care of their Staff and was affectionately known as “Betty Boop”.

The family of Betty is grateful to many care providers who worked to give her the best quality of life. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Betty’s name to your local Hospice chapter to continue their important work.