Betty was born on April 21, 1935 to Frank and Elizabeth (Walsh) Mackey of the Bronx. After graduating from Blessed Sacrament Academy, she married her high-school sweetheart, Henry Gustafson in 1954. The two were later divorced. They had three daughters.
Excelling in stenography and typing, Betty took a position as a secretary in the Athletic Department of Manhattan College in 1973. In doing so, she ensured that each of her children would have access to a quality college education.
Betty loved working at Manhattan College, cheering on their basketball team, the Jaspers. She continued to work in the Athletic Department until she retired in 1998.
In her retirement, Betty continued to follow college basketball, as well as her favorite baseball team, the Yankees.
She was an avid reader, and enjoyed checking out murder mysteries from her local library. She was fond of word and number puzzles, and played a mean game of Scrabble.
Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother, and played a central role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who loved her dearly. She was her family’s rock, ensuring that they were always cherished and supported.
Her intelligence, dry wit, and forthrightness balanced a loving and understanding heart.
Betty is predeceased by her sister, Roberta “Bobbie” Marshall, of Florida.
She is survived by daughters Karen Landau, Robyn Gustafson, and Christine Gustafson, son-in-law Greg Napolitano, and grandchildren Steven Landau, Jessica Landau, Gregory Napolitano, and Daniel Napolitano.
Betty is also survived by her beloved and lifelong best friend Joyce Keenan, with whom she stayed close until the very end.
In keeping with her intrinsic humility, Betty has asked that there be no public ritual to mark her passing. Please say a prayer and remember her with love.
Because Betty so enjoyed attending the beautiful holiday parties at Autumn Lake, her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Activities Department, Autumn Lake at Berkeley Heights, 35 Cottage Street, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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