Born on November 13, 1934, in Baltimore to John and Ida Oppelt, Betty was a proud alumna of the Institute of Notre Dame. She recounted fondly her times of teaching dance through Fred Astaire Studios – where her students included midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy – and working in the accounting department of C&P Telephone.
In 1962, Betty married Lavern “Pete” Petersen, beginning a 45 year partnership filled with service, travel and memorable experiences. Together they raised their four children in locations as varied as Washington, D.C., Ethiopia, Hawaii, Oregon, and Maryland.
Betty is survived by her daughters Jeannine Varley (Steve) of Fallston, Kristen Buckley (Mike) of Bel Air, and Kathleen Gibbons (Francis) of Forest Hill; her son Eric Petersen of Laramie, Wyoming; and her grandchildren Derek Varley (Alyssa), Alex Varley (Stephanie), Brittany Williams (Kristopher), Courtney Varley, Drew Buckley (Amanda), Kevin Buckley (Lindsay), Ian Gibbons, Jack Gibbons (Sophia), and Sean Gibbons. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren Madelyn, Shepherd, Levi, Olivia, Lilah, and Hannah.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Pete; her siblings Margaret Gallagher, Rose Henry, and John Oppelt; and her parents.
Betty will be remembered for her love of family, her faith, and her enduring enthusiasm for Notre Dame football. Her legacy lives on in the generations who loved her and in the many memories she created.
Visitation for Betty will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014, on Friday, October 16, from 4pm to 8pm. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Mark Roman Catholic Church, located at 2407 Laurel Brook Rd, Fallston, MD 21047, on Saturday, October 17, at 11am. Interment to follow at Highview Memorial Gardens, 3433 Fallston Rd, Fallston, MD 21047
Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to Ark Regional Services of Laramie, Wyoming, at https://www.arkregionalservices.org/donors
