Betty Louise McCurdy

On the evening of February 4, 2023 Betty Louise McCurdy, age 92, passed away peacefully at home after a year-long battle with cancer. Her daughter Susan, her caregiver Suzzette Oduro, and Susan’s partner Gary Lustig were with Betty in her final moments. Beloved mother of Susan McCurdy, sister to Buz Hogan and Linda Baughan, and sister-in-law to Jean McCurdy and the late Anne McCurdy and Lula Hogan, she left behind many family members and friends who loved and adored her.

Born October 3, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the eldest child of Bessie and Colbert Hogan. She graduated from Catonsville High School and later attended business school in Baltimore. While working for an insurance company, she met Bruce David McCurdy, a Midshipman at the Naval Academy. They married in June 1954 and Betty served as a naval officer’s wife, stationed in numerous places in the US and in Puerto Rico. Betty and Bruce adopted Susan in Norfolk, Virginia in December 1962 and eventually settled in Gaithersburg, Maryland after Bruce made a career change. In 1967 they purchased a family home in Gaithersburg and lived there for many years until Bruce’s passing. Betty was crazy about cats and lovingly cared for the family cat Tuffy from a tiny kitten to old age, as well as cat sitting for the neighbors.

Betty loved being a full time mom and was an amazing homemaker. She spent her time volunteering with numerous organizations including Lighthouse for the Blind, at local elementary schools, and aiding psychiatric patients under a local county program. Betty enjoyed a good football game, cheering for the Naval Academy and the Baltimore Ravens. Throughout her life, she collected vast recipes and cookbooks and was an amazing baker. She enjoyed going on outings to historic towns, finding tearooms and ice cream parlors for refreshment. She was an avid antique collector and owned her own successful antique business for several years. Beginning in the late 1980s, Betty began a long part-time career working at Susan’s company in various roles and becoming part of the company family.

Music was also a favorite pastime. She played the piano and sang in choirs in her youth, including performing solo her favorite piece “Oh Holy Night”. Betty was also enthusiastic about genealogy, doing manual research in the years before DNA tests and on-line resources.

Following Bruce’s death in 2013, Betty moved to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg where she made many friends. She enjoyed various social activities and was continually a lucky winner at Bingo. Also, during this time, Betty and Susan spent much time together, traveling, visiting the beach, going to tea and enjoying life and their mother-daughter friendship.

Betty often gave random and thoughtful gifts and had a great capacity for empathy and sympathy. Betty will be remembered most for her care about and interest in others.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for Betty with family and friends. Betty will be interred at the Naval Academy with her husband Bruce. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah or Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland.