Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Klingman Prycl

“Betty” Prycl (Elizabeth Jane Klingman Prycl) of New Stanton, PA died in her sleep on April 26, 2017. She was almost 96 years old. The daughter of Louis Klingman and Gertrude Raiser Klingman, she was born on July 3, 1921 and grew up in the Troy Hill area of Pittsburgh.

She married Otto Prycl on December 24, 1939 and moved with him to rural Hempfield Township where she continued to live after his death on November 18, 2001. The two of them built three homes from scratch and remodeled several others. They took demanding canoe trips with their children, traveled to New Zealand three times for extended tours, and were active in the American Rhododendron Society. They were very happily married and deeply committed to each other and to their children.

Betty was a skilled homemaker and great mother who excelled at many things – interior design, needlework, sewing, baking, etc. However, tens of thousands of children and adults knew her best in her role as a swimming instructor. She taught for Hempfield Parks and Recreation for over 40 years, coached the Hempfield swim team, was on the faculty of IUP’s Aquatic School, and many other organizations in the area. Swimming was her passion. Her crowning achievement was the publication of a book, Learn to Swim an Easy Way, co-authored with James Merckle. It went through multiple printings, selling out each time.

An excellent athlete, Betty competed in the Senior Olympics and National Senior Games. Her primary sport was swimming, where she routine raked in the medals, but she also competed in throwing a javelin and discus and whatever else she could fit in. She often gave her medals to her students because she wanted them to know how proud she was of them.

She was a volunteer at the American Red Cross and taught first aid, CPR, and organized training and certification for swim instructors and trainers.

Betty was a strong advocate for her children and others. She became an elected member of the Hempfield Area School District Board after being a PTA member for all the years her children attended Hempfield. She “adopted” children and provided a loving and supportive environment for those who may have lacked them elsewhere.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Klahr of Rudy, AR, son Lewis and wife Belva Ann of Damariscotta, ME, and son Jeffrey and wife Rosemary of Greensburg, PA.

Grandchildren include Anna Klahr of Blairsville, PA, and Joshua Klahr and wife Suzanne of San Carlos, CA. Great-grand-children are Alexander and Julia Klahr.

She was preceded in death by her siblings. She was the “baby” of her family and had many tales of running after her brothers and sisters as fast as she could.

She was a remarkable woman and will be missed by her loving children, grand-children and great-grand-children and by the many others whose lives she enriched.

A private memorial service for family and friends will be held at a future date to be determined. Donations to the Westmoreland County Food Bank, 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626 may be made in her memory.