Josephine Rosalie (Siekierka) Bettinger

Josephine “Mama Jo” Bettinger, 94, was called to heaven in the early morning hours of February 25th.   Born in Rahway, New Jersey on February 2, 1930, to parents Joseph and Emma Siekierka, she was a beautiful and gentle woman who was known for her genuine smile and giving spirit.

Mama Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Bettinger, Sr. and two sons, Michael “Rick” Bettinger and Wayne Bettinger.

She is survived by daughter Natalie Chapman and her husband, Tom, son Albert Bettinger, Jr. and his wife, Bette, daughter Ruth Wharam and her husband, Jeff, daughter-in-law, Cary Bettinger, and son, John Aulert.  She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren.

After her retirement in 2009 Mama Jo turned to volunteering with the “Caring Embrace Shawls” program at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.  The program provides space and materials for volunteers to knit or crochet shawls for patients at the hospital. She was a well-known member of the group and over 12 years’ time Mama Jo knitted over 1,500 shawls for distribution to those in need.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 29th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Friday, March 1st at 2:00 pm at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville.  

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Sentara Martha Jefferson Foundation in support of the Caring Embrace program. When donating chose “Tribute Gift” and mention the “Caring Embrace Shawls Program, in Memory of Mama Jo Bettinger” in the comments box. https://mjhfoundation.org/give-your-way/make-a-donation/  

Family and  friends may share photos  and memories at thackerbrothers.com.

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