Betty J. Manlove

Born: 7/29/1926
Died: 7/3/2013

A native of Wilmington, DE, Betty J. Manlove (Thompson), passed away at the age of 86 on July 3, 2013, after an 18-month battle with MDS (Bone Marrow Failure). She was the daughter of George L. and Elsie Thompson (Sayers).
She was predeceased by both parents, husband, Robert F. Manlove III, who died 25 years ago on July 3rd, brother, James Thompson, and sister-in-law, Lucille Thompson. She mourned the tragic loss of her son, Robert F. Manlove IV, in 1976, at the age of 28.
Betty is survived by her loving family: daughter Kathleen Nardozzi (Michael Sr.) of Yorklyn, and six grandchildren, who referred to Betty as “G-Mom”: Christine M. Sacharok (George) and Susan Scout (Timothy) of Wilmington, Michael Nardozzi (Brenda), Michelle Krill (Richard), and Nichole Gomolinski (Paul) of Pennsylvania, and Louis Cicamore (Christina) of Maryland. Additional family are brother-in-law, H.E. Manlove (Jean) of Wilmington, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Cicamore (Louis) of New Castle, godsons, George A. Thompson of Wilmington and Michael Manlove of Virginia. She also leaves behind her nine great grandchildren, who affectionately called her “G.G.”: Natalie and Cecilia Sacharok, Zachary and Mia Gomolinski, Brayden and Piper Krill, Chase and Cole Nardozzi, and Bradey Scout. Betty will also be greatly missed by her dear friend, Walter Zakrzewski and his family, as well as her many nieces and nephews.
After being a wife and stay-at-home mom for many years, Betty joined the working world in the 1960s. She retired from the Medical Center of Delaware’s sewing and mending department after 18 years and 5 years at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital. She was an avid bowler for many years with the Ukrainian League, Medical Center of Delaware, Catholic Women’s League and, more recently, the Golden Age Senior League at Bowlerama. She was league secretary for many years. Her highest bowling score ever was 277. Betty earned many trophies over the years and, best of all, she gained the friendship of many along the way.
Always friendly and smiling, she was well-loved by everyone she knew. She was outspoken, quick-witted, and feisty. Grandchildren and great grandchildren alike always behaved when at G’s house. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her playing sports and other outdoor games with them in her backyard. She was often found sitting on the floor with them, joining in on games like one of the kids. She was truly a wonderful and loving grandmom and great grandmom.
Known for her baking skills, she never used a box mix for cakes or icing. Lemon meringue pie was the favored dessert, and we won’t soon forget her chocolate chip cookies and potato salad.
Betty, with her daughter Kathy, were both creative and attended many craft shows, naming their venture “Crafts by Me & Mom.” Mother and daughter were the best of friends, sharing the same sense of humor, common sense, and willingness to help others. Scrabble was the number one game, as was a love of reading. Many a lunch was shared at Hunter’s Den and Crossroads. Betty loved to dance to Big Band music, especially jitterbugging to her signature song, “In the Mood.” She was a longtime Phillies and Eagles fan, and a member of Howard Weston Senior Center in New Castle.
The family wishes to thank all the Helen Graham Center lab workers, Christiana Hospital emergency department staff, nurses in Ambulatory Infusion and CDU, and, especially, the nursing staff in 6B.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Monday, July 8, 2013, at St. Patrick R.C. Church, Fifteenth and King Streets, Wilmington, where visitation will begin at 10 am. This parish is where Betty was baptized into the Catholic Church, married, and where her children attended elementary school and received their sacraments. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Ste. 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or to St. Patrick’s Church, 1414 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.