Resident Spotlight: Betty – A Life of Purpose, Passion, and New Beginnings

When Betty moved into The Fountains at Atco’s Independent Living neighborhood, it was a courageous step taken after a serious health scare. She spent nearly two months recovering in our Skilled Nursing neighborhood, and when she was strong enough, she and her family made the decision that it was time to transition into a more supportive environment. After spending a week at home getting her affairs in order, Betty returned—this time as an Independent Living resident. Since that day, she has brought warmth, wisdom, and a remarkable spirit of service to our community.

Betty has always lived a life of purpose. Her calling to serve began at just four years old, when a visiting nurse placed her nursing bag beside little Betty. That small moment left a lasting impact. From then on, Betty dreamed of three things: becoming a nurse, a teacher, and a shop owner.

In 1955, she enrolled in the nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University—the only school she applied to. She remembers her journey through nursing school by the color and style of her uniform, eventually receiving her bib, pin, and graduation cap. Betty describes her time at Jefferson as the second best time in her life. The best, she says, was becoming a mother to her beautiful children.

Betty’s life was a beautiful balance of family and vocation. After taking time off to raise her family, she was drawn back to nursing—what she called her true calling. She began her career at Audubon General Hospital, which later became Kennedy Stratford Hospital. Over her 50-year tenure, Betty served in many roles, eventually becoming the Director of Risk Management and Quality Control.

In that leadership role, Betty collaborated closely with hospital staff to develop and implement corrective action plans designed to improve the hospital’s quality measures. After years of impactful work, Betty retired—or so she thought. Not long after, the hospital called her back. Her leadership had left such an impression that they asked her to return to help conduct a focused audit on mortality rates and blood transfusions. Never one to sit still, Betty accepted the challenge and jumped right back into her work.

That project was deeply meaningful, and when it concluded, Betty was ready once again to retire. But once more, the hospital reached out. “Betty, we’re not quite finished with you yet,” they said. Recognizing her gift for teaching, they invited her to return to lead the orientation program for new Certified Nursing Assistants. This role brought Betty so much joy—she was able to mentor individuals just beginning their healthcare journeys and connect with the next generation of caregivers. She did this for several more years, finally retiring for good—ten years after her original retirement date.

When asked what advice she would give to new nurses entering the profession, Betty shared something deeply moving:

“When I think of nursing, I think it has to start in your heart. If it doesn’t start in your heart, you’ll never be able to retain the information in your head, and you won’t be able to carry out your duties with your hands. It has to be in your heart to want to be a nurse—that’s the only way you’ll be successful and happy.”

That philosophy—heart first—has guided Betty her entire life.

Here at The Fountains, she has continued that legacy of service. She revived the Women’s Club after the pandemic had paused many social groups. Under her leadership, the club now hosts campus-wide fundraisers that give back to the community through thoughtful gestures—like hand-knitted muffs for residents in Assisted Living, created in partnership with the Knitting Club.

She also recognized a need for Sunday evening meals and began organizing monthly takeout nights with local restaurants—hoagies, Chinese food, Italian dinners—all delivered in bulk, often with a resident discount. Any proceeds beyond the food cost are donated back into the community.

Her passion for learning never faded, which led her to create the Health & Wellness Committee. After surveying fellow residents about their interests, she coordinated monthly seminars covering important topics like diabetes, arthritis, elder law, and wellness management—ensuring residents have access to education and support that matters to them.

Reflecting on her early dreams, Betty once shared: “Through nursing, I became a teacher. And by moving to The Fountains, I get to be a shop owner too.”

She laughed when she told her children, “I don’t know what I’ll do when I get to heaven—there are no sick people there, and all I know how to do is be a nurse!” But now she says, “I’ve figured it out. I’ll be a shop owner in heaven.”

Betty’s story is one of compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. She’s an inspiration not only to our community but to everyone in the field of healthcare. In honor of Nurses Week, and in celebration of Betty’s lifetime of caregiving and continued leadership, we extend a heartfelt thank you—for being an exceptional nurse, teacher, and yes, even a shop owner.

We are so grateful to have you, Betty.