Sylvia Betts

SYLVIA "ROXIE" BETTS

Mother extraordinaire, awesome friend, devoted wife, Jewish believer.

Roxie, a nickname given by her husband Bill (deceased)) fit her well. It means "bright star" and her star did shine.

She was born to Samuel and Fanny Ross in Wilkes-Barre, PA; met and married Harold Lisses, lived in Mitchel Gardens on Long Island where she gave birth to Melodie Womble (husband Gary, deceased); divorced and re-married William H Betts and lived in Miami, Fl, where she gave birth to Jackie Betts (deceased) and worked as the desk manager for Bird Bowl. She and Bill won many bowling trophies. They adopted Stefanie Rickel (husband Randy) and Kelli Betts (Harlow Campbell) who gave her two grand-daughters, Taylor and Alissa, who gave her a great-granddaughter, Alaina (father Jared).

Roxie was known for her big smile and quick wit.

She hosted many parties over the years, especially at Christmas; she loved to entertain people and provide ways for them to get together; she invented staycations before it was a word, making any trip, anywhere, into a family adventure, whether going to a theme park, hanging by the pool, bar-b-q in the back yard or taking a road trip.

She took her daughters to all kinds of events and classes including dance class where she would watch, knit and crochet -producing many blankets. She enjoyed the beach and fishing in the Keys and even in Alaska.

When first coming to Orlando, Roxie worked for Kelly Girl in many different temp jobs where she learned the city map and could tell you where any place was. After a short stint at Days Inn, she ran a lunch room in an office bldg. preparing lunches for employees. Her last job (for 15 years) was with Kautter Mgmt. Convention Planning. She worked until she was 89 years young (or 29 and holding for 60 years) and rarely, if ever, missed a day of work, often being awarded attendance bonuses and recognitions. A dislocated shoulder kept her from driving. Stef took over as chauffeur taking her shopping, to restaurants and any place else she desired.

Roxie loved to give back and spent many hours as a volunteer at the hospital..

She accepted Christ as her Jewish Messiah when she was in her late 70's.

She lived to be 97 through the love and incredible care of Stefanie who was at her side as she passed. Her sense of humor was with her to the end.

We miss you mom and can't wait to see you again.