Martha E. 'Betsy' Schroeder
March 5, 1949 — May 18, 2014
Martha E. 'Betsy' Schroeder
Born in Oak Park, IL, on March 5, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and the late Marjorie L. (Polkow) Schroeder.
In looking back, we should have known what career path Betsy's life would take. Who else would request a bona fide flight attendant uniform for Christmas at age ten? Who else would request the "Berlitz Teach Yourself French" records, again for Christmas, while in eighth grade? Only Betsy. Acquiring a French Pen Pal was her next move, with Betsy and Dominique corresponding regularly through their youth. A high school part time job at the Riverside, IL public library nurtured a love of reading and books. Many hours were spent writing imaginative stories from her room.
High School at Nazareth Academy brought the study of German also, and then a summer trip to Austria and Germany. Betsy spent three glorious weeks in Bavarian Germany, which only whetted her appetite for travel.
College brought four years at Western Illinois University and a lifelong friendship with Luan, her roommate from Moline, IL. They have been like her sisters ever since, and no one could ever ask for a dearer friend. In spite of all the fun their group had, everyone did manage to graduate with honors.
But now the party really began - jobs as flight attendants with Capitol Airlines, a charter plane company that flew all around the world. Based out of Philadelphia, Betsy and Luan promptly leased an apartment with two other girls, and the world became their oyster. Trips to England, Spain, Italy, France and Ireland became the norm. While the rest of us were lucky to get to the mall in a week, these two were seeing the world. The airline job brought another lifelong friendship for Betsy - she met Helga, another flight attendant who said upon meeting Betsy, "I thought she was either homeless or traveling around the world, she had so much luggage with her!"
When Capitol Airlines folded, Betsy had a variety of jobs - she taught high school back in Illinois for a year, waitressed, substitute taught, and worked for Borders Book Store. Betsy was then offered a manager's job back East for Borders, and she jumped at the chance to be surrounded by the books she loved so well.
After many years at the Bookstore, Betsy began a new career as head librarian in her home town of North East, MD, a job she truly loved, with its wonderful staff and patrons.
Her later years brought many trips to visit her beloved London with her sister Linda and brother-in-law Tom. "Boot camp Betsy" always involved miles of walking around London with it's many pubs, markets, and landmarks.
Gardening was another passion, her home and yard always being filled with new plants, trees, and seedlings. Her little Yorkie dog, Gilly, now so lovingly cared for by Bev, her mail carrier, was a great canine companion.
Betsy will also be dearly missed by her brother Jim, sister-in-law Donna, nieces Kathy and Jesse, nephews Matt, Jim, Phil and Mike.
May she rest in peace and now fly with the angels.
Services will be held at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD, with visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Thursday, May 29, 2014, beginning at 10:00 am with funeral services starting at 11:00 am.
Interment will be follow services in Charlestown Cemetery, Charlestown, MD.
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