Betty D Pfingsten, age 99, of Tampa joined Dad and their son Michael William in heaven on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Betty was born in Forty-Fort, PA to John and Christina Pavco on May 11, 1923. Betty married John Donald, her childhood sweetheart, on March 10, 1946, in Fayetteville, NC. Betty graduated as a registered nurse from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in Pennsylvania. Her husband John joined the US Army Air Corps and flew as one of the first glider pilots during World War II. Together this couple from the greatest generation served our country with family in tow while assigned to Langley Field; Keesler Field; Wheelus Air Base (Tripoli, Libya); Dover Air Force Base; Charleston Air Force Base; and MacDill Air Force Base. Betty’s life as a military spouse was filled with passion for her country and met the demands of military life with great dedication and personal sacrifice that accompanied being always on the move, often amid worries from the dangers her husband faced throughout his military career. Betty epitomized the sacrifices our military spouses continue to make today so that our troops and airmen can support and defend with an all-in commitment to preserving democracy and our American way of life. John retired as a Major in the U.S. Air Force after 26 years of service. After settling in Tampa, Betty then supported the community as a registered nurse for 11 years at St Joseph’s Hospital. Betty was a prayerful Catholic with great faith in our Lord Jesus and the intercessions of our Blessed Mother Mary, was active in the church choir, and was one of the founding parishioners of the Incarnation Catholic Church in Tampa. Betty and John enjoyed traveling the world together! Betty is survived by seven children: John, Robert, Thomas, Gary, Donna, Lawrence, and Suzanne, along with 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The family of Betty would like to thank all of the staff at Westchester Gardens for their love and care.
A Catholic Memorial Mass will be celebrated for her at 12:00pm on Saturday, 23 July 2022 at the Church of the Incarnation, 8220 West Hillsborough Ave, Tampa. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar West Hillsborough, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa. Refreshments will be provided.
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