Elizabeth Ruth Carey

“Ms. Deer Park”

Elizabeth Carey, 92, passed away on Sunday April 26, 2015 at Arden Courts of Annandale where she has been a resident since July 2007.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Francis Edward Carey (Kelly) and is survived by her three children: Kevin Patrick Carey, Sr. (Murphy), Sean Brian Carey, and daughter Patti Colleen Carey Runfola of Cummings, Georgia. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Betty was born and raised in Deer Park, Ohio and graduated from Deer Park High School. Upon graduation, Betty was employed by the telephone company as an operator and worked in Cincinnatti, Ohio. Betty was on the switch board on December 7th acting as chief operator, when the calls came through about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While working as an operator, she met and married her husband who was a recruiter for the US Army based in Cincinnatti together they had three children: Murphy, Sean and Patti Colleen. Betty and Kelly lived in Greece and Paris for several years. Betty and Kelly were very active with war orphans both in Greece and Paris. Upon returning to the States Betty was awarded the US Lady Award in June of 1957 for her work with orphaned war children.

Betty worked as a telephone operator at the Pentagon, when they were stationed at Fort Meyer, Virginia. After moving to Arlington Betty worked as an Administrative Assistant to Joel T. Broyhill, Congressman from Virginia.

She was a community activist in her neighborhood and was very instrumental in getting a Fire Station and Funeral Home in their neighborhood.

Betty will be remembered for her generosity and kindness and compassion. She rescued dogs and cats. She was very active in her parish of St. Ann in Arlington where she ushered and played the organ.

She will be remembered for her wonderful “hospitality” and great St. Patrick’s Day parties, and undying “Patriotism”. We all have very fond memories of her many little

“Betty” isms, that make us all smile every time we hear one.

You made such a difference in all of our lives.

Rest in peace.