Betty A. Berndt-Brown

Betty was born on September 25, 1936 to the late James and Mary Salvo. Betty was the younger of James’ and Mary’s two children. Betty’s brother, Bob, was born two years earlier. Betty grew up in Watertown where she attended Watertown High School. While at Watertown High Betty participated in many activities - none, however, more important, exciting, or fun than being a drum majorette. After graduating from Watertown High, Betty attended Boston University.

After college Betty began a long and very successful career as a Marketing Executive. She began her career working as a Marketing Consultant at Data Instruments, a company that specialized in the production of medical instruments. Her last job prior to her retirement, which she often said was the most fulfilling, was at PCMI now in North Attleboro. At PCMI Betty traveled extensively internationally, a feature of the work she found fulfilling and through which she met a fascinating group of friends and colleagues.

Betty met her first husband, Robert Berndt, not long after he had returned from the Korean War. After a brief courtship they were married. They first lived in Woburn - where she met her great friend, Sandy Hoy - later moving to Billerica where they lived for many years until their marriage ended. This said, while their marriage had ended Betty and Robert remained in each other’s lives as true friends and two people who really stuck by and cared for one another through the best and worst of times. After her divorce, Betty moved to Lexington where she lived for many years until she retired and then moved to the Cape.

Betty enjoyed many activities throughout her life – including skiing, golfing, bowling, sketching, playing the piano, and taking photos - excelling at and widely admired for almost all. She was a phenomenal seamstress and made some of her own ski jackets. Betty loved to cook and entertain - which was a winning combination for her guests who were able to enjoy a gourmet meal while in outstanding company.

Betty’s friends were incredibly important to her and she to them. Several times a week, Betty and her dear friend, Carol Imondi went out to eat at Olympia’s in Yarmouth with Sandi often joining them. Betty, Carol, and Sandi were members of The Birthday Club - seven women who celebrate each other’s birthdays and one another by going out to dinner at the place of the Birthday Girl’s choice. Betty and Sandi shopped, bowled, golfed, and played cards with their friends in the Hand and Foot group. In many ways, Betty and Sandi were as close as sisters - not just through these activities but because they knew everything about one another and each other’s lives.

Betty will be deeply missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Janet Salvo and their children, her cousins Elise Alegria and Richard Nessolini; and her many beloved friends, including, Sandi Hoy, her dear friend of 55 years. Betty was a lover of poodles throughout her life – and leaves her beloved Hamilton, her devoted, warm, friendly, and loving Standard Apricot Poodle, whom she rescued and missed terribly throughout her hospitalization. Betty will be happy to know that her sweet, kind loving Hamilton has found another wonderful family who loves him and he them.

Betty received great care and devotion from the medical team at the Mass General Hospital and her family appreciated it.

A Celebration of Betty's life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28th at the Dennis Highlands Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brewster Chapter of the Animal Rescue League. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com.