Betty Palmberger Hafkemeyer, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend passed away on September 7, 2021. She was surrounded by family, who summoned Betty's ever-present courage, and stayed by her side while she passed on peacefully in her home.
Betty, the only child of Barbara and John Palmberger, was born on May 16, 1933 and grew up in Ridgewood, Queens. Betty attended Grover Cleveland High School. Upon graduation she worked for AT+T and as phone operator. She then met her beloved husband of 65 years, Rudolf Hafkemeyer. They remained in Queens and raised their five children there until 1980 when the Hafkemeyer family moved to Brookfield, CT. Betty was a devout Catholic who was a member of the Parishes of Saint Matthias in Queens, NY and Saint Joseph in Brookfield. Betty and Rudy spent many of their later years in Lady Lake, Florida where they enjoyed good friends and sunny skies.
Betty is survived by her husband Rudolf and their five children: Barbara (Edward, deceased) Elmendorf, Ralph (Laurie), Rudy (Maria), Robert (Amy), and Marie (Greg) Bray. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Betty loved to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She derived much joy from their antics and stories. Betty and Rudy loved boating around Candlewood Lake while in Brookfield and on Lake Sumpter in Florida. They traveled the world from Iceland to Antarctica and enjoyed many other cruising adventures. A favorite destination of theirs was Germany, where Betty and Rudy both had many close family members.
Calling hours will be on Monday, September 13, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, CT. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 14, at 11:00 am at Saint Joseph Church, 163 Whisconier Road, Brookfield.
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