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Elizabeth Paolini Obituary

Elizabeth (Betsy) B. Paolini, 81, of Muhlenberg Twp., passed away Monday, July 19th, at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Betsy was born in Reading on November 27, 1939, a daughter of the late Isabel (McDonnell) and Jere H. Babb and was the widow of Richard W. Paolini who passed away in 2019.
She was a member of St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church, Reading and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School class of 1957. She graduated from Kutztown University in 1962 with a BA in English then earned her MA in Linguistics and Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught at Central Catholic, Wilson High School, and Reading Area Community College. She also worked part-time in the office of attorney Herb Karasin.
Betsy was a long-time member and officer of The Legion of Mary and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Betsy loved reading, crossword puzzles, and swimming.
Betsy is survived by her two daughters, Maria A. McDonnell, husband of Thomas Sandor, of Fleetwood; Elizabeth A. Paolini, wife of Warren Holzman, of Philadelphia; son, Jere F. Paolini, husband of Jennifer Turnbull, of Philadelphia; foster daughter Maryanne Keim and her son Kevin Forry of Delaware, two sisters, Virginia A. Keller, of NJ; Jacqueline M. Bonanno, of NJ; and brother, Jeffrey J. Babb, of NJ. She is also survived by grandchildren: Jesse, Owen, Isabel, Aidan, and Michel. She was predeceased by her grandson, Ethan. Over the years, Betsy opened her home to many foster and Fresh Air children.
Along with family, Betsy is survived by many dear friends. Betsy spent her life caring for others and being a devoted friend. In her later years, the love she had cultivated came back to her in the form of compassionate friends and neighbors who cared for her in many ways. Betsy had a wonderful sense of humor along with a true calling of generosity, acceptance, and service.
Friends are invited to gather Tuesday from 10 to 11 AM at St. Margaret RC Church, 926 Centre Ave., Reading. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment is private at the convenience of the family at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Foundation for RACC, 10 South Second St., P.O. Box 1706, Reading, PA 19603-1706 or https://www.racc.edu/about-racc/donate
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. 

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