Betty M. VanDerGracht, 92, residing in Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, passed away peacefully at 7:05 am Thursday, October 27, 2016 in her home. She was born February 17, 1924 in Mishawaka to the late Peter and Emerence (Clavwaert) VanDerGracht. Betty was also preceded in death by her brothers, Gaston and Raymond (Lillian) VanDerGracht; and her sister, Dorothy Belmont. Many dear pets also passed before her, most recently her beloved Timmy.
Betty was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, South Bend. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Northwestern University in Chicago and Oxford University in London England, as well as many specialized schools pertinent to her career. She was employed by Bell Engineering Systems for 34 years in Indiana and Illinois and with AT & T in New York, where she also instructed engineering classes.
Betty was known early on for her equestrian riding abilities and her equine interests. Her career took her to Chicago, where she was president of the prestigious International Pilot Club. While in Chicago, she also volunteered at the Illinois Eye Bank and Erie Settlement House. Upon retiring in Plantation, Florida, Betty became president of the Ft. Lauderdale Pilot International Club. She was instrumental in establishing the Meals on Wheels program and sponsoring a cerebral palsy home for young adults in Ft. Lauderdale.
Her retirement was short! Betty went on to manage Industrial Engraving and Silk Screen, a firm that hired and trained young Cuban refugees. Contracts there included the United States Military and Jacques Cousteau Deep Sea Expeditions. Later, Betty managed Trayner Murray, a prestigious interior design firm, which specialized in fine furniture and accessories.
Betty traveled extensively throughout her lifetime in Europe and Cuba (just prior to the Castro Revolution, when unrest was very prevalent and travel there precarious). From Florida, she retired to Arizona, where, as a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, she was active in arranging travel activities for church groups. Betty eventually returned to the South Bend area and Notre Dame.
Betty is survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret VanDerGracht of Notre Dame; cousins, Steven (Barbara) VanDamme of Mishawaka, Ryan (Shannon) VanDamme and family of Mishawaka, Stephanie VanDamme of Mishawaka, Kathryn (A.J.) Cedona of New York City, Mary VanDamme of Bloomington IN and Susan Dits and her daughter, Amy (Brian) Owens, of Phoenix, AZ.
Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be held at 11:00 am Monday, October 31, 2016 at Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel at Dujarie House, Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, IN, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to mass. Immediately following services, all are invited to attend a funeral luncheon at André Place. Graveside services and burial will take place at 10:00 am CST Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Betty may be donated to Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614 or St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for Betty’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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