Betty Suesen Harwick

betty  harwick
Betty Suesen Harwick (Age 87) of Herndon, VA, passed peacefully in our home with family on Saturday, March 7, 2020. She was a beloved wife and devoted and loving Mother and Grandmother. She is survived by her son, Robert C. Harwick (Aimee), four grandchildren: Bobby, Stephen (Caryn), Tim and Allison; and two great Grandchildren: Demi and Deim. Her beloved husband of 54 years, Robert R. Harwick (age 91), predeceased her in 2011. Her daughter, Jennifer S. Danklefs (age 49) predeceased her in 2013.

Betty was born an only child to Herman and Ruth (Mangold) Suesen, of Hyattsville, MD on August 24, 1932. She graduated from Bladensburg HS, class of 1950, where she learned typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping skills. She went to work with PEPCO, straight out of high school as a secretary, and later changed careers and worked for several real estate law firms.

She was President of the Washington DC Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and met my Father through a blind date set up by one of her sorority sisters. They were married on May 25, 1957. Coincidentally, Betty also set me up on a blind date to my wife of 28 years (and counting), Aimee. We are forever indebted to her.

Betty was a long-time member of Westwood Country Club, and enjoyed sunning, swimming and golfing well into her 70’s. She continuously met up with her group of friends to celebrate monthly birthdays. Betty had a substantial social life with many hobbies and activities. She was hard to keep up with. They included playing bridge with her friends and hand-painting china, a hobby she picked up in the 1960’s. She loved dancing with my Dad. She chaired various committees at Westwood, and the friendships are too many to list.

Betty was also a long-time member of Oakton United Methodist Church and actively participated on church committees and prayer groups. Her faith in God was also a big part of her personality, with lots of comforting psalms and words scattered around her room.

In 2013, Betty moved in with my family and me, where we regularly attended Floris United Methodist Church. On weekdays, she attended The Gardens at Fair Oaks, an adult living facility that offered an adult day program. Reluctant at first, she embraced the new routine which gave her a new sense of purpose and motivation. She also accepted a Resident Ambassador title, a role which included the responsibility of representing the Residents, which she performed with passion and pride. The staff and residents affectionately called her “Betty Boo”. She was as much a blessing to them, as they were for us. We can’t thank them enough.

We were privileged and blessed to have her with us the last 7 years. While difficult at times, she was able to share all the day-to-day family happenings, including sitting on the deck enjoying a cocktail, celebrations, vacations, watching the Redskins lose, or just sitting quietly and reading. She was content that she was with her family.

Strong willed and opinionated, Betty loved everyone and always offered kind and positive words of encouragement. She never complained nor spoke badly of anyone. She was old school and loved to stay connected with her friends and family through mail and greeting cards. Little things that don’t begin to describe her kind heart.

The Silent Generation lost another member and we will dearly miss her kind and encouraging words, positive attitude and ever-present smile. While this is a difficult time our family, we take comfort in knowing that she lived a long and fulfilling life, raised a beautiful family, and the next part of her journey will be even better! We will see you again. Love you Mom / Oma.

We will be having an informal memorial service for Betty at Oakton United Methodist Church, 2951 Chain Bridge Rd, Oakton, VA 22124 at a later date. Final resting spot with my father at Arlington Cemetery Columbarium TBD. Details of the Memorial Service will be posted on the funeral homes website when dates and times are confirmed. www.moneyandking.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association (www.heart.org); Alzheimer’s Association (www.act.alz.org); National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org); or Floris or Oakton United Methodist Church.

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  1. The Family and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  2. I just saw that Betty had passed away. What a fun lady she was! My parents always enjoyed playing bridge. She sure was the life of the party! I know they’re up there playing a round with a cocktail again! With condolences, Amy (Gardell) & Jim Temenak


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