Betty J. (Passerella) Turk

Betty J. Turk (nee Passerella), 89, passed away Friday September 29, 2017 at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake.  She was born July 8, 1928 in Spangler, Pennsylvania to James and Rose (nee Abram) Passerella and was the eldest of nine children.  She graduated from high school in 1946 and remained in Pennsylvania until she met the love of her life, got married and moved to Lorain in 1950 where she resided for 18 years.  In 1969 she moved to Vermilion where she resided for over 30 years.  Betty graduated from Kent State University with a master’s degree in elementary education.  She taught at Powers Elementary School in Amherst for nearly 30 years.  She truly enjoyed her teaching career.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of both VFW Post 7576 in Vermilion and Amvets 22 in Vermilion.  She held several local and state-wide offices within these organizations. Her work there was heartfelt.  One of the many programs that she represented that was a favorite of hers was Americanism.  She visited the schools of her community and inspired young people to gain interest and appreciation for their country.  Betty made a great effort to help and to support our veterans.  She loved the cause and was willing to contribute in any way that she could to make a good difference.  She was also a member of The American Legion in Vermilion and she attended Lakeview Baptist Church in Vermilion.  Betty is survived by; her daughter, Barbara Krajnak (Joseph) of North Ridgeville; her grandson, Rafe Gabel (Kelly) of San Francisco, CA; her great-grandson, Kaden; and by a brother, Donald Passerella of Johnstown, PA.  She was preceded in death by; her husband, Steven Turk; a grandson, Nicholas Goetz; seven brothers and sisters; four step-children; and by her parents.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday October 4, 2017 from 4 to 7pm at the Liston Funeral Home, 36403 Center Ridge Rd., (at Stoney Ridge Rd), North Ridgeville.  The Funeral Service will be Thursday October 5, 2017 at 11:00am at the funeral home.  Pastor Cliff Morris from Lakeview Baptist Church will officiate.  Members of the Ladies Auxiliary from Amvets 22 in Vermilion will also conduct a special memorial service during the ceremony on Thursday.  Interment will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake.  Betty’s family would like to say thank you to the staff and volunteers at Ames Family Hospice House for their wonderful compassion and support.

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