Monday, August 30, 2021
I met Betty around 1983. She and her husband, Dave, were living in a duplex off Harvard around 56th street. She had requested orientation and mobility lessons from the Department of Rehabilitation (Visual Services) so she could walk around in her neighborhood safely and independently as a blind traveler. She had learned most of her blindness skills at a rehab center in Arkansas and wanted to practice them.
When we first met we had an instant connection. She had cousins living in my hometown-Sarasota FL. As we talked we learned that I knew her second cousins as we had taken piano lessons from the same teacher and had been in recitals together.
Over the years we worked occasionally on mobility and became friends as well. Whenever Betty moved we worked on orientation to her new house and surroundings. She also enjoyed our Older Blind Program client get togethers where she could visit and encourage other people who had lost their vision sharing her knowledge with them.
One memory of Betty is watching her iron her husband’s shirts. She was so calm and patient taking her time to line up the seams and she pressed it perfectly. It was so soothing to watch her. That’s the impact she had on me -very soothing.
When she moved to Montereau she was pretty apprehensive about learning her way around. Betty wanted to be as independent as possible. With practice and determination she mastered it. I was so proud of her as it was a massive undertaking.
A funny story Betty told was that after my dad moved to Montereau in 2006 he and Betty became friends and occasionally would walk to dinner or some other location in the facility. Betty told me one time he was “helping” her walk somewhere. Well my dad had a terrible sense of direction and got them lost in the massive building. Betty asked him to tell her what he saw and then SHE re-oriented them to find their way!
Betty was always supportive and kind no matter what the conversation. She was always gracious, never complained, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Betty loved her family and was very proud of her three children and spoke of them often. She also loved dogs-especially Fancy and Zippy.
Betty had a sweet tooth and over
the recent years we would discuss politics, family, and good books to read all while munching on homemade cookies, toffee, and other goodies!
Betty was a very special person who had a strong impact on me. I just want to say Betty I feel honored to have been your friend and thank you for all you did for me, I’ll miss you and our talks.
My condolences to all your family and may good memories help them through this time.
Much love
Cheryl McCarroll
