Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (McSpedon) Pfeufer
April 10, 1931 - April 10, 2025
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (McSpedon) Pfeufer, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service.
Born in New York into a large Irish Catholic family, Betty was one of eight children. Her extended family grew so large that their annual reunions often exceeded 300 attendees—name tags were a necessity.
Betty had a lifelong love of learning and participated in numerous sports and school activities. After high school, she worked as an administrative assistant for an architectural firm involved in designing the United Nations building—an experience that came full circle when she later worked within the finished building.
It was in New York where she met the love of her life, her late husband, Ernie. The couple eventually settled in southern Delaware before making their home in Newark, DE, where they raised six children and made many dear friends. After Ernie’s passing when Betty was just 49, she matriculated at the University of Delaware where she earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees. She went on to teach for seven years at Ursuline Academy, touching many young lives.
Betty’s devotion to her community never wavered. She generously gave her time and talents to organizations such as Christiana Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and Literacy Delaware. Her civic spirit and compassion left an indelible mark wherever she went.
She was the proud matriarch of a growing family, blessed with six children, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernie Pfeufer; her McSpedon siblings, Kay, Howard, Bill, Jack, and Tom; and her grandchild, Benjamin. She is survived by her brothers, Dennis and Frank; children, Kathy (Keith) Gesler, Mary Beth French (Doug), Theresa Norton (Mike), Joan Castle (Pete), Margaret Pfeufer, Rich Pfeufer (Amy); grandchildren, Andrew (Jeannine), Jessica (Mike) , Alicia (Daniel), Kelly (Wesley) , DJ, Mike (Leah), Ryan, Katie (Chris), Emily (Justin), Connor, Jake (Heather), Stephanie (Justin), Jane, Annie; and great grandchildren, Rory, Gavin, Ayla, Wyatt, Koa, Ashlyn, Ava, Cecily, Haley, Kane, Riley.
Betty’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the caring physicians over the years, and a very special thank you to the compassionate caregivers at Autumn Lake at Calvert Manor.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin offered at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to Blindsight Delaware, Attn: Loretta Harper-Brown, Executive Director, 2918 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808; or to Lori’s Hands, 100 Discovery Blvd., 4th Floor, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Marianne Oratorio
Dear Family of a very lovely lady. My deepest sympathy to each of you as you grieve the loss of your Mother. May Betty rest in the Eternal Peace of our God’s Paradise. Many Blessings to each of you.
Sincerely and Tenderly, Marianne Oratorio
Caroline Bauer
Dear Pfeufer family!
I am very sorry to read about the loss of your wonderful mom. What an accomplished life she led, in spite of the heartache with the loss of your Dad so early.
I do not have a single childhood memory at Fairfield, Fairfield Crest swim club that does not include at least one Pfeufer sibling, if not two or three. Such fond memories.
Mary Leitner
Your kindness will be remembered by many. May the thoughts and prayers from family and friends be a comfort.
Tina Anderson
My family and I send our heartfelt condolences. May your fond memories of Betty help you all through your grief. Sending loving virtual hugs.
Mel Longobardi
I worked with Betty at the Christiana Care Hospital in the trauma department. She was beautifully kind, brave and loving. The days she held down the surgical waiting room it was like an angel was on duty. She provided human kindness to people experiencing the ripple effects of a traumatic event such as gun fights, car accidents, falls, and other traumas. She would keep them in her prayers and would offer them love and understanding. After she retired from that position they put a constable at the desk as most were too afraid to be there on their own. She was amazing! I am wishing her deep peace from the quiet earth.
Patti
Dear Margaret,
My deepest condolences in your mother’s passing. I pray you that you and Steph take your time in healing and talk of your beautiful mother. There could be no greater tribute. Sending Love
Patti Williamson -Samluk
Bob &Anne McSpedon
The description of Aunt Betty Ann’s life is a well done tribute and celebration. The times we did get to be we her were always a treat. May the wonderful memories ease your sorrow.
Michele Rossi Gildea
Dear Pfeufer family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. You are in my heart and in my prayers.
Much love,
Michele Rossi Gildea
Janet & John Ray
Mary Beth and family,
Your mother sounds like an incredible person with an amazing life. No doubt, you have many of her qualities, including her love of children and strong work ethic.
We send you a hug and hope your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Debi Salvucci
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Helen Ruiz
To Kathy and family!
Sincere condolences from your New Orleans Health Center Family. May your beautiful memories help to heal your hearts! Mrs. Pfeufer sure lived a full and purposeful life! May she rest in eternal peace with her Ernie!
Mary Jane
MaryBeth, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
Kathi Peeke
Kathy and Pfeufer family, your mom was a wonderful human being! And as David Lehr said, she was the nicest mother on Fairfield Drive!
I know she will be greatly missed by you all but you are a wonderful tribute to your mom’s legacy!
Kathi Lehr Peeke
Diane Bale
Dear Mary Beth. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. It sounds like she was such a special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.