Elizabeth M. “Betty” Wightman, 73 of Forks Twp., PA died Monday, January 12, 2015 in Easton Hospital.
Born January 30, 1941 in Camden, NJ and raised in Pennsauken, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Oliver and Jessie (McCurdy) Barnish. She and her husband The Reverend William W. “Bill” Wightman have been married for 50 years.
A graduate of Merchantville High School, she received a degree in Health and Physical Education from Trenton State College. She was a Paraprofessional for the Easton Area School District, mostly at the elementary schools for 25 years before retiring in 2006. Prior to that she had been employed by the Easton YWCA as Play Center Director. She had also been a Health and Physical Education teacher in the Burlington County School District and a substitute teacher for the Schuylkill Haven School District.
Betty was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Easton where she was active with the Fine Arts Committee and Quilting group. She was involved in many community and church activities including managing the Joshua Howell Fund.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; 2 children: Beth Wightman of Los Angeles, CA, Paul Wightman of Nazareth, PA; 2 brothers: Edward Barnish of Pennsauken, NJ, Jerry Barnish of Erial, NJ; a sister: Susan Emmert of Harrisburg, PA and 2 grandchildren: Zachary and Hanna Wightman.
Services will be 2:00 PM Friday (Jan. 16) in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton, PA with a calling period from 5:30PM to 8:00 PM Thursday (Jan. 15) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private.
In her memory, Betty’s wish was that friends would plant a tree in which birds could nest. Or memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton, PA 18042 for the Gallery.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Roe and Tom Sullivan
January 13, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Bill, Beth, and Paul,
I was so sorry to hear about Betty’s passing. She was a wonderful, caring person who touched many lives including her caring manor to the children of Cheston School while I worked there. In more recent years I so enjoyed talking to her at our retiree luncheons. One of my most fondest memories is when I first started teaching. One of my kindergarten students got sick to his stomach and I didn’t have a bucket so I sent him up with a box that was almost as big as he was. Well Betty started to laugh so hard with that memorable laugh. The next day when I came into school I received a beautifully wrapped package. Inside was a small bucket with the following inscription “Kindergarten, Upchuck Express”. Needless to say, it was from her! I kept that bucket until I retired 3 years ago. May she rest in peace. Sending prayers to everyone. Love, Roe Sullivan
cynthia Leonard Underhill
January 13, 2015 at 8:38 pm
Condolences from Betty’s Walker cousins in Massachusetts. We have such fun, fond, loving memories of our times together with the whole Barnish family.. May He bless the family Betty leaves behind……With Love Cindy
Rebecca Long
January 13, 2015 at 9:40 pm
Paul, Beth and Bill,
It has been many of years…..from fond childhood memories at Forks school where she was our school nurse, to childhood memories of being Paul’s mom and then the school nurse at Cheston where I really got to know your mom…. She always had us laughing…..not one day went by that she did put a smile on your face. She made a difference in everyone she touched and that was she made you smile……She will be missed by so many…..I am so glad I had the opportunity to get to know an amazing person……Sending love and prayers to everyone……Love, Rebecca Long
Judy Dilts
January 14, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Bill, Beth and Paul,
I want to express my sincere sympathy to all of you and your families. Betty was a wonderful friend and coworker. Her calm, caring manor made her a very special person to everyone whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love, Judy Dilts
Jenna Wayne Mauder
January 15, 2015 at 9:13 am
My warmest thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was student at Cheston during the 1990’s and remember Ms. Wightman. She was always so kind and helpful to the students, and I remember seeing that bright smile. At this difficult time in your lives, I’m calmed seeing the blessed and wonderful life she shared with all of you. May your beloved memories be the light in the dark.
Dori G. Barnett
January 19, 2015 at 4:06 pm
Now that Betty no longer burns with love, many others will suffer the cold. Goodbye dear friend. You will be sorely missed.