Obituary of Bessie Britsch

Bessie "Becky" Britsch was born in Atlanta, Georgia, July 6, 1922, and died after a short illness on December 8, 2014, in State College, Pennsylvania. A loving and beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, Becky personified southern warmth and hospitality with a smile for everyone she met. She is survived by her three children, daughter Louise Carver Stokes and her husband, Shannon, of State College, daughter Carol Carver Tinsley and her husband Marc of Chattanooga, TN., and son Richard Britsch of Grand Rapids, MI.; six grandchildren, Charles Stokes and his wife Anne of Frederick, MD., John Stokes and his wife Andrea of Poolesville, MD., Kathryn Anne Tinsley Snyder and her husband Sam of Chattanooga, TN., Capt. Kevin Tinsley and his wife Jessie, stationed in England; Joel and Rebecca Britsch of Grand Rapids, MI.; and six great-grandchildren, Johanna and Miranda Stokes, Isabelle and Jack Stokes, Carver and Juniper Snyder. Orphaned at age 10, Becky and siblings Theresa and Jack Davis lived with various extended family members in Atlanta until adulthood. Becky was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph R. Carver, M.D., and daughter Kathryn Anne Carver, both of whom died in a tragic accident in Branford, Florida. On December 11, 1949, she married Jerome Richard Britsch, an officer in the Florida Highway Patrol. They spent the majority of their lives in Florida. They traveled throughout the United States and for their 40th Anniversary took a memorable trip to England and Scotland. In August of 2005, Becky and Jerry relocated from West Palm Beach, FL., where they had lived for 37 years to The Oaks at Pleasant Gap, PA. Jerry died on June 15, 2006 and Becky remained at The Oaks where she received extraordinary and loving care from the staff. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff and administration of The Oaks for their loving concern and support of Becky during her final years. In her more active years, Becky devoted herself to her church, her neighborhood canasta card groups, and her children's activities. Until her eyesight failed, she was an avid reader and fan of crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She always had a card table with a puzzle in progress. Once she could no longer see to read or do her puzzles, she became a devoted listener of books on CD. She was an unapologetic fan of David Baldacci novels. Despite so many losses in her childhood and early adult life, Becky retained an indomitable, resilient and loving spirit. She always cherished her family, friends and her role as a homemaker. Family and friends will be received at Koch Funeral Home on South Atherton Street in State College, beginning at 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014. Funeral service will follow at the funeral home with Reverend Joseph Faulkner officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery in State College. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Oaks at Pleasant Gap (A.L.S.M.), 200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap, PA., 16823. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guestbook may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.