DITTMER, Margaret (Betsy)

Margaret (Betsy) Dittmer passed away on Thursday, 15 December 2022, at the age of 88, in Tampa, Florida. She had previously lived in Orlando, Florida for twenty years, with her sister, Barbara.

First, she was a sister, daughter, wife, and mother. Her and her husband served in the Air Force as a member of the Special Operations (Pararescue) team. For her second career, she worked for the US Government Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was proud of her many achievements during her career and loved her co-workers. She achieved her degree late in life, setting an example for her children on the importance of pursuing an education no matter how old you were when you achieved it.

She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She showed that love in many ways: arguing over who would pay the check, baking cookies for them, treating them to memories made with her, playing the piano for them. She recorded so many memories via photographs!

She had made many friends over her lifetime and enjoyed traveling to see those friends and her extended family. She maintained her friendships and attended Pararescue reunions for many years. As one of her friends said, “she loves hard and forever.” What a great description of her friendship and dedication to those friends and loved ones over the years.

She was accomplished at many things: superb pianist, sewing and needlework skills, drawing and painting … and loving her family and friends.

She is survived by 3 children (Bea, Jon, Marie), 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, her sister, brother (Matthew), nephews, nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews … and she loved them all!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, Florida.