Visitation:
35 Railroad Street Plymouth OH 44865 2/28/2010 15:00:00
Service:
29 Plymouth Street Plymouth OH 44865 3/1/2010 10:00:00
Dr. Betty Hutchinson Wiser died on vacation in the Bahamas on February 18, 2010 doing what she loved, traveling and meeting new people. Betty was born May 12, 1931, in Plymouth, Ohio, the daughter of Roscoe David Hutchinson and Mary Louise Stine.
Her love for traveling began with 4H farm exchanges to Mexico and Italy, reflecting her commitment to other people. Betty helped organize a girl’s school in Northern Iraq 1955-57, where she met her future husband, Dr Edward Hempstead Wiser. They married in 1957 in the Shelby Presbyterian Church, and moved to Raleigh, NC.
Betty earned degrees cumulating in a Doctorate in Adult Education, became a champion for Women’s Rights and Senior’s Issues, and the cause to fight osteoporosis. She served as the NC President of the League of Women Voters, a Representative in the NC General Assembly, director of the Wake County Council on Aging and developed the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, today managing 800 volunteers. Betty served as the head of the Older Adult Health Branch in the NC Health Department.
At the time of her death, Betty was serving as co-chair of the Osteoporosis Prevention Task Force of NC, Senator in the Silvered Hair Congress and an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Edward Wiser, two brothers, Samuel and David Hutchinson, daughter Carla Lounsbury, son Conrad Wiser, six grand children and one great grandchild.
Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in Plymouth, Ohio on Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 3-5 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 1 at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth. Burial will follow the service in Plymouth. Memorial contributions can be made to the North Carolina Osteoporosis Foundation, Jackie McClelland, Vice-Chairperson, 816 Brookgreen Dr., Cary, NC 27511 or to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be made at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
To members of Betty’s family: I knew Betty as a member of the Women’s Forum of North Carolina. She was a delightful lady – smart, friendly and genuine. I always looked forward to seeing her at our gatherings. We had lost track of each other in recent years, but I remember her fondly and was saddened to read of her passing. My sympathy and best wishes to you all.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Wiser. It is a blessing that the two of you got to travel and do the things you loved. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I have known your mother for many years and was privileged to work with her at the Wake County Council on Aging, now known as Resources for Seniors. We continued to see one another through the years, as we both worked on behalf of older adults in many capacities. She was a gracious lady and will be missed widely. My best to your Dad as he deals with health issues…and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed, I am sorry to hear of Betty’s death. She was a person who lived fully and gave so much to others. We will miss her at the WOSA reunions.
Sincerely, Dorothy Harrold
Conrad and family in these hard and troublesome times our thoughts are with you and your family.
Even we did not know your mother personally – knowing you means she must have been a very special and fantastic person. You are all in our prayers.
Dirk, Petra and Jan Schweickhardt
You have our sincere thoughts and condolences. Betty was a wonderful person who left a very positive mark on society.
Our thoughts also are with Ed and you all as we expect a complete recovery for him.
Frank (prof emeritus, BAE) & Judy Abrams
Conrad and Carla… My thoughts and prayers to you and your families… your mom was a fine person– many great accomplishment. I feel privileged to have known her (and of course your dad). You may recall that I was a sitter for you in Raleigh on Dixie Trail… way back when. Sincerely, Bob Usry (Extension Specialist and Lecturer Emeritus, NCSU)
Dear Carla & Family; & Conrad & Family;
It was with great sadness to learn of your mother’s death, when I got back to the ship.
It was my pleasure to know her for a few days, but I learned that she was an accomplished, caring, giving and fun lady.
Carla, you are a rock of strength! You are as amazing and talented as your mother. I only wish I could have met Lincoln and Conrad.
May God encircle you and your families with his love and comfort in this difficult time. And may He stretch out his healing hand to your father.
When I first came to NCSU as a colleague of Ed, we lived in your house on Dixie Trail while Ed was on study leave at Princeton. We enjoyed knowing Betty and Ed and playing bridge with them. You have our condolences and are in our thoughts and prayers. Betty was a very gracious caring woman.
Betty was a remarkable addition to the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, especially in her role as an advocate for education. She will be missed and mourned by the membership throughout the Southeast Region of our Society in particular. My prayers and thoughts are with Betty’s family and the members of MU Chapter during this time. She was truly a Key Woman Educator.
The members of MU Chapter, Virginia, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International send our deepest sympathy. We were honored to have Betty transfer to MU from North Carolina. She was a gracious and knowledgeable lady. We will all miss Betty dearly.
Libby Fordham, President of MU Chapter
“Mitten im Leben sind wir vom Tod umfangen” Martin Luther
Conrad,
we didn’t have the pleasure to meet your mother personally, but she certainly did her share on making you such a welcome good friend of our family. Our thoughts are now with you and your family. God bless you all and give you the strength to cope with that sudden loss.
Unser herzliches Beileid aus Deutschland.
Carsten Faust and Katharina Mantowsky-Faust and children
Carla and family, I am praying daily for you to keep up your body, mind and spirit through these difficult times. May you find some peace in knowing your mother is not in pain but in a wonderful place. May God bless you and your family.
Although we did not know your mother, remembering our own losses brings us all together in support during these difficut times. Your family is in our prayers.
Our organization of Silver Haired Legislators will sorely miss this great Senator and wonderful friend. Please accept my condolances to her family and personal friends. God Bless you all.
We are keeping all of you in our prayers. I know this has been a difficult and trying time, and that the whole thing is not over yet. Your mother (mother-in-law and grandmother) would have been very proud of how well you have organized and are handling things. We are so sorry we cannot be at the funeral to support you in your time of sorrow.
Warmest regards,
Cynthia and David
Carla, it is with great sadness that we heard about the loss or your mother and your father’s health condition. It is obvious from your strong character that you came from great parents. We miss you here at work and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed Corcoran & Family
Betty was a wonderful member of the National Silver-Haired Congress and a true lady. It was my pleasure to know her for the past several years through the NSHC. She will be greatly missed in this organization.
My husband Lamar and I send our prayerful condolences to the family. May God bless each one of you.
It was a pleasure and honor to have known Betty and work with her through the National Silver Haired Congress. Her work and committment to others stands as a challenge to all of us. Betty was a treasure to be treasured.
Gloria A. Bonali