Mary (Betty) C. Hanifer, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022, in her home at Sunrise Villa Tuckahoe, Richmond VA surrounded by her family. She was born on December 3, 1935, in Ticonderoga, New York to Edward B. Cummings and Mary H. Cummings.
Betty bravely faced several health challenges during her lifetime. The most recent and challenging battle was metastatic breast cancer and a broken heart following the loss of her husband. The family thanks the staff of Sunrise Villa Tuckahoe and James River Hospice, Dr. Jeffrey Greer, and Dr. Elke Freidman for the love, care, and support they provided their mother in her final years.
She was preceded in death by her husband (James J. Hanifer), parents (Edward B. Cummings and Mary H. Cummings), and brother (Thomas Cummings).
She is survived by her loving children: James M. Hanifer (Laurie), Thomas J. Hanifer (Stacey), Margaret M. Hanifer, Mary Beth Hanifer, Patricia A. Green (Josh); grandchildren: Crystal L. Lambert (Jeremy), Robert M. Hanifer (Renee), David E. Hanifer, Caden D. Green; great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Annabelle Lambert, Gabriel and Alexis Hanifer, Aurelia Hanifer; brother: Ted Cummings (Elaine), nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.
Betty married Jim in 1958 in Valhalla, New York. Their 63rd wedding anniversary would have been this past November. Betty was dedicated to her family, faith, and friends. She loved dogs, birds – especially cardinals, collecting seashells, swimming, and gardening.
Betty graduated from Good Counsel College and worked for the telephone company. Upon marrying Jim, she became a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She would always say being a homemaker is one of the hardest jobs there is, and her children agree. Betty supported Jim – they were a team and loved each other unconditionally.
The mother to five children (Jimmy, Tommy, Peggy, Mary Beth, and Patricia Ann), she was the ultimate caregiver to each of them. She poured her heart and soul into raising them with Jim. Parenthood was not without its challenges that Betty met by drawing on her Christian faith.
This was especially true when she and Jim welcomed two more children after the birth of Peggy who was born mentally retarded and deaf. Betty was also in her early forties when she had her fifth child. She and Jim accepted each child as a gift from God no matter the circumstances.
Betty’s children were blessed to have her in their corner as she guided them through various school projects and extracurricular activities and volunteered as needed. She was so handy and creative around the home she was Betty Crocker, Martha Stewart and HGTV all rolled into one. We all wish we had her patience and skills. Her children are grateful for her unwavering support – she always told them to try their best. She cheered their successes, encouraged them when they struggled, and advocated for them when they needed a voice.
While raising her family, Betty was also active in the church choir (singing and ringing the bells) and enjoyed playing the piano. She loved going to Midlothian YMCA for the water fitness classes and lap swimming, taking vacations at the beach, or visiting family in New York, North Carolina and Florida. She made every holiday special – we loved her amazing meals and spending time spent together.
Throughout the years, Betty’s caregiver role expanded beyond her children to her mother and eventually her husband. Her children were in awe as she lovingly navigated the medical challenges Grandma Cummings and her dear Jim bravely faced.
While Betty loved her children, being a grandmother brought her so much joy and happiness. She absolutely loved spoiling her grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Road from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
Funeral mass will be at Church of the Epiphany at 3:00p m on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. If you are unable to attend in person, you may watch the mass using the below Facebook live stream link:
https://www.facebook.com/ChurchoftheEpiphany/live/
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Midlothian YMCA or the Church of the Epiphany.
Online condolences may be made at www.woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com
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