Betty Garella, 80, of White Hall, Md.,
passed away on December 26, 2023, after a long struggle with
Parkinson’s disease. Betty was born in Burlington, Vt., to the late
Kathleen Virginia (Baker) and Charles Leonard Turnbaugh on July 1,
1943. As one of 10 children, Betty always celebrated her birthday on
July 2, until she discovered much later in life that her actual
birthday was on July 1. Apparently this was not unusual in large
families at the time, and she felt lucky that she got to celebrate on
both days. She grew up on North Avenue in the New North End and spent
much time at Starr Farm Beach on Lake Champlain. She graduated from
Burlington High School.
Betty married the love of her
life, Romeo James “Jim” Garella Jr., of Hawthorne, N.J., on
September 14, 1963. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
After they married, they moved to Baltimore, Baldwin (on Brookes
Cross Farm) and finally to White Hall, Md., where they raised three
children in a rural area of Northern Harford County surrounded by
beautiful fields, farms and forests.
Betty is survived by
her beloved husband, Jim, of White Hall, Md.; their devoted cat
Nancy, who brings much comfort to Jim; and three children, daughter
Jeanine Sandra Garella Standish (Scott, Phillip) of Burlington, Vt.,
son Michael James Garella (Amanda) of Felton, Pa., and daughter Lisa
Kay Garella Johnson (Chris) of Fairfield, Pa. Betty adored her three
grandsons, Emerson Brookes Garella Standish, Carter Fields Garella
Standish and James David Wyatt Garella. She is also survived by her
dear siblings Nancy Ransom (Bob) and Charlie Turnbaugh (Kathi);
sister-in-law Sylvia Garella Rehrey; and many nieces, nephews,
in-laws, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by
her parents; her sisters Pearl, Peggy, Sandy, Kathy, Debbie and
Diane; her brother Bobby; and many cats.
Betty enjoyed her
time raising a family, encouraging her children to get outside. Many
summer days were spent at the North Harford Swim Club. She loved
holidays with family and gift giving. Betty spent many years being a
caretaker for older folks in their homes, being their friend,
preparing meals and taking them to appointments. She was an excellent
cook, making the best crab cakes and clam dip around.
Betty
will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity to all
people and animals, especially cats. She was a strong, outspoken
spirit but also deeply sensitive. She loved chatting on the telephone
with friends and family. She deeply missed her siblings and spent
many summers visiting Vermont in order to spend time with them.
Two
gatherings for friends and family will be held, the first on March
10, 2024, in Burlington, Vt. (email jeaninegs@comcast.net for
information), and the second on April 27, 2024, in Fairfield, Pa.
(email lisakj@comcast.net for information).
If
you feel inclined, please consider making a donation to your local
cat rescue organization or adopt a cat in need of a
home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral
& Cremation Services of Westminster, Md. To send online
condolences, please visit fletcherfuneralhome.net.
This article appears in Jan 10-16, 2024.