Bettie Lou Reed's Obituary
It was February 29, 2024, when Bettie Reed left her earthly humans, felines Toni and Doni, wild animals she befriended and her beloved Orioles team to join her deceased devoted husband Donald Reed and loving son Peter (Tippy) Dembrowicz. We can all envision Bettie hopping into her “Pony”, as she liked to say, a 1988 Convertible Ford Mustang, shifting the gears and speeding to Don and Tippy.
Bettie was born on March 1, 1955, to Albert Hunter Stickell Sr. and Betty Lou Christ in the District of Columbia. Bettie’s surviving siblings are Raymona Stickell, Charles Stickell, Suzan Turner, and Ynita Swomley. Betty is preceded in death by her older brother Albert Stickell Jr. and sister Patricia Kirkland. Bettie is also survived by her former spouse and friend, Randy Dembrowicz.
Betty was 68 years old, bravely battled cancer for 4 long years. Once after a long medical treatment day Bettie was enjoying a “girls” day with her sister, driving through Annapolis with the sun shining brightly, she said “can’t we be like Thelma and Louise and just keep driving south to the Florida sunshine!”
Bettie’s love of baseball started in her early teen years when she played softball on a travel team in Landover Hills. She was so proud of the team’s accomplishment, back when only the first-place team was awarded a trophy, that she kept her purple and white monogram team jacket. Bettie was thrilled to meet Orioles legend Boog Powell proudly sharing and cherishing the picture that memorialized their meeting.
Bettie never met an animal, bird or insect that she didn’t like….and fed. She was well known at the farm/feed store buying bulk bags of corn for the deer, peanuts for wild turkeys, raccoons, and groundhogs and several types of bird seed. She was so excited when her outdoor security cameras were installed—for security—nope, so she would capture pictures of her critters day and night!
A close friend described Bettie as a kind, gentle soul who touched her heart from the first time they met. This description is so true. Bettie could immediately start a conversation with strangers leaving them knowing that she was someone who cared deeply.
Bettie also enjoyed the annual family 4th of July cook-out where she spent time catching up with her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews. She had a soft spot in her heart for children. She loved seeing the fish they caught and watching them swim and dive into the Severn River. Bettie will be missed and her legacy of caring deeply will live on in the hearts of children.
Private interment at Bestgate Memorial Park, 814, Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD. A celebration of life is planned for later this year.
“If there ever comes a day where we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” From Winnie the Pooh
What’s your fondest memory of Bettie?
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Share a story where Bettie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bettie you’ll never forget.
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