Weaver, Betty L. (Margaret E. Glass), 100, of Johnstown. Died on September 30, 2018. Born October 14, 1917.
Daughter of Walter E. Glass and Emma (Boxler) Glass. Preceded in death by husband of 62 years, Clair O. Weaver; sisters Geraldine Schellhammer, Mildred Karalfa, Helen Heidorn; and brothers Robert Glass, Howard Glass, Merle Glass, and Herbert Glass. Survived by a sister, Evelyn Smith and these children: Walter C. Weaver (Nancy), Raymond E. Weaver (Lois), David J. Weaver (Carrie), Daniel L. Weaver, and Jean Marie Weaver (Nicholas Moran).
Also survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. After “a very jovial childhood” on the family farm in Stonycreek Township, Betty graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School in 1935 and began working as a legal secretary in her father’s Johnstown law office. She also worked at Love’s Candy on Railroad Street, helping the dippers and packing the chocolates as they came off the belt.
Betty clerked at Kresge, McCrory, Woolworths, and sold hats at Glossers. In her mid-twenties, Betty worked as a dressmaker at Cay Artley’s Dress Shop, and part-time at the US Post Office sorting mail during the Christmas rush. Betty and her husband opened and operated a neighborhood grocery store in Dale Borough until Clair entered the service in WW Il.
In 1955, Betty became a representative for Stanley Home Products, quickly developing a large and loyal clientele. Her business thrived for 15 years until she could no longer handle the required lifting. Betty returned to the needle industry, doing piecework for Bali Bra for five years.
She then worked in the contracting business with her husband until their retirement at age 75. Betty’s life was rich with activities and, for her, talent abounded. As a teenager, Betty learned to play the guitar and the Hawaiian steel guitar.
At age 96, she learned to play the piano. Knowing that time was short, Betty achieved remarkable keyboard proficiency. Betty and Clair belonged to Town and Country Duck Pin Bowling League for 45 years.
She and Clair were charter members of the Richland Squares, an All-American square dance group. As a seamstress par excellance, Betty made customized dance costumes for herself and Clair, as well as for the professional callers. Her hand-braided wool rugs won Best of Show at the Cambria County Fair in 1998 and 1999.
Betty was a master chocolatier. She also enjoyed crocheting, playing bridge and pinochle, and participating in many of the activities at the downtown Senior Center, including line dancing (until age 98) and singing with the Senior Serenaders. When she was in her 80’s, Betty joined Sister Dorothy’s hospital clown ministry, adopting the name “Gumdrop,” developing her routine and designing her own costume.
Betty was a lifelong member of St. John Gualbert Cathedral parish. As a young mother, she helped organize the Mothers’ Club at the grade school, where a cafeteria and kitchen was opened in the basement of the school. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Viewing Tuesday 2:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday 11 am -12:30 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane (Richland). Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, 117 Clinton Street (Johnstown), Wednesday 1:30 pm. Very Rev.
James F. Crookston, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Gualbert Cathedral parish. Reception follows at the Pyramids.
All are welcome.
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