Bettijane Marie Krall

Bettijane (B.J.) Marie Krall stayed technologically current her entire 89 years, often posting daily recipes and political opinions on Facebook.  She was so persistent in acquiring the ability to use the latest smartphone that she mastered ordering all her groceries online for home delivery during the pandemic.  For years, she also created her own line of personalized greeting cards for family, Krallmark, using her PC. She was amazing! B.J. died on May 22, 2021 at home in Easton, MD after a valiant struggle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family and her beloved husband, Albert (Abe).

Born in Monaca, PA to Rudolph and Mary Tepsic, she met her future husband, Albert, while sneaking him extra ice cream at the Callaghan Pharmacy soda fountain counter where she worked as a teen.  As a young woman, B.J. enrolled at Temple University where she earned her degree in Nursing, and became certified as a registered nurse.  Abe surprised her with a marriage proposal and a ring in a Pittsburgh cemetery on his return from Alaska, where he had been working for the National Bureau of Standards.

It was the beginning of a 68 year long and strong marriage.  They raised 7 children in Rockville, MD, sending all of them to college.  B.J. passed along her perseverance, intelligence, humor, adaptability and strength to her children.  She loved dogs and welcomed four wonderful “mutts” as members of the family. After a long career as an emergency room, intensive critical care and coronary care nurse, she retired with Abe, having relocated to Crownsville, MD, beginning their second careers as “Holiday Ramblers”. In their fifth-wheeler, they visited all 49 continental U.S. states, finally enjoying a trip gifted by their kids to Hawaii to complete all 50 — their dream.

B.J. had many hobbies. Together with Abe, she was a life-long bridge player and camping enthusiast (“I found a better site; let’s move!”). In addition, she was an avid reader, mysteries being her favorite.  Shuffleboard competition and Aquacat racing were among her activities.  She became a Red Hatter and baked hundreds of cakes for get-togethers with friends.  Her children believe her favorite activity was reciting detailed directions for recipes, at every opportunity.  She was a good cook with a passion for eating and describing great food.

Volunteerism was an important part of B.J.’s life.  She worked on many funding drives, including for the American Heart Association, UNICEF, The March of Dimes, and local political grassroots campaigns.  She taught (conscripted) her children to volunteer by example.  During her sailing days, she and Abe volunteered with the U.S. Power Squadron.  Later, B.J. and Abe moved to Texas, where they volunteered at the local hospital and their neighborhood as First Responders.  B.J. also volunteered by screening blood pressures in their Texas community.

B.J. will be remembered by her family for her quirky humor, her ability to sustain a household amid chaos, her intelligence, and above all, her love for her husband and children.  And her love of hot black coffee! She leaves behind her husband Albert; children Linda (Jim), Laura, Nancy (Bob), Albert (Kristen), Kathleen (Dave), Marianne (Darren), and Suzanne (Debby); 12 grandchildren and their spouses; and 3 ½ great grandchildren.  Burial will be private.  Donations in her memory may be made to ASPCA and/or Habitat for Humanity.

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