Betty Jane Strzyzykowski

Betty Jane Strzyzykowski, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, November 19, 2020, surrounded by family and angels. The family will receive guests from 10am until 10:30am, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, processing to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph for Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Memorial contributions may be given to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools or Birthright of St. Joseph. Betty was born February 14, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Grover and Ethel Gaa. Betty attended business college and worked at Sears in Chicago. A consummate homemaker and devoted mother of eleven, she treasured her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a way of making everyone feel like they were the only person, even in a full room. Betty was a devoted Catholic, prayed the Rosary daily with her daughter, Marge, and attended Mass regularly. Her life was a testament to her deep faith, from which she projected acceptance, love, and kindness. She took great pride working for Edisan Shoe Store in St. Joseph for many years and served as President of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. For many years, up to her passing, she enjoyed bowling, casinos, TV game shows, tinkering with her many electronics, and playing games to challenge herself and keep her mind sharp. Betty is survived by seven sons, Joseph (Laura), Stanley (Carolyn), Thomas (Barbara), Patrick (Tammy), Tim (Sandy), Jim (Carrie), and David (Margie); four daughters, Margaret Krawczewicz, Ann (Eleazar) Marquez, Susan (Thomas) Holland, Victoria (Christopher) Haack; over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a granddaughter who had a special relationship with Betty and Joseph, April (Scott) Thomas. Betty was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Joseph; and grandson, Brian. Betty’s most fervent wish was peace for everyone and sang, Let There Be Peace on Earth nightly. She loved her family in which she instilled strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.