Elizabeth Ann Widmar's Obituary
WIDMAR, ELIZABETH ANN “BETTY” (DWYER) died Tuesday, January 3, 2006, in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her beloved family surrounding her. Betty was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Joseph E. Dwyer and Catherine Gillespie Dwyer. She was a graduate of Scranton’s Technical High School where she was a drummer in the Drum and Bugle Corps. During World War II, Betty became a secretary for the Elk’s Lodge where she was responsible for booking many of the famous “Big Band” groups for USO shows. She spent fourteen years as a secretary for the Tulsa Women’s Bowling Association and for a time was a co-owner of Cedar Lanes Bowling Center. Betty and her husband Al, a professional baseball player, were both great sports fans and participants. Together they enjoyed an extraordinary marriage that included extensive travel, wonderful family and friends, and great athletic accomplishments. Betty’s lifelong interest in sports began when she played basketball with the Eastern Pennsylvania Bucktown champions. She enjoyed golfing and was one the state’s top female bowlers. Betty had the distinction of rolling one of the first 300 games and 700 series for women. She bowled in 45 consecutive WIBC National Tournaments, while also serving as a state delegate to the WIBC National conventions. Those accomplishments, as well as her 14 years of service as Secretary of the Tulsa Women’s Bowling Association, and membership on the TWBA’s board of directors earned her a spot in both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. Betty had a great sense of humor, a kind and generous spirit, and great loyalty. Al preceded Betty in death on October 15, 2005. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on November 10, 2005. Betty was also predeceased by her parents; her brother, Jack Dwyer; her sister, Mrs. William F. (Marion) O’Brien, both of Scranton, PA; and her grandson, Benjamin Pike. She is loved and will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities. Rosary, 7 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2006 at Floral Haven Chapel, Broken Arrow, OK. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2005 at Church of the Madalene, Tulsa, OK. Floral Haven, 252-2518Survived By: her daughter JoAnn and husband, John of Broken Arrow; sons, Tom Widmar of Coweta; Michael Widmar and wife, Debbie of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Jennifer Zahornacky and husband, Michael and Katie Pike, of Waltham, MA: and Katie’s fianc?e, Michael Flaherty, of Brighton, MA; Joseph and Arthur Widmar of Boise, ID; Brandon Widmar of Sapulpa; and Alan Widmar of Oklahoma City; her sister Mrs. Robert (Catherine) McLaine of Dunmore, PA. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law; Mary Ann (Paul) Shuss; Margaret Widmar (Robert) Scarr, and Isabell Widmar; and dear family friend Martha Lou Parker
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