Obituary of Betty Joan Howard

Betty (BJ) passed away peacefully with friends by her side on January 10, 2015 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. Betty was born January 17, 1938 in Methuen Massachusetts to Raymond B. and Alice M (Wilson) Kinney. A graduate of Bates College in 1959, she was employed by the YWCA starting in Pennsylvania and then back in Lewiston, Maine. She then taught and coached at Deering High school taking her teams to championships. She returned to the YWCA where she completed 20 years. She had many years of association as counselor and consultant at Camp Runoia, on Great Pond, in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. BJ was most proud of the work she did for the State of Maine as the first Marketer for the Department of Tourism under Governor Joe Brennan. She also worked for the Campground Association and the Maine Publicity Bureau. BJ remained very active in the Town of Belgrade, on the Board of Recreation, at Center for All Seasons even after retirement. Betty was proud of her association with the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes, where she was active in Missions and Outreach and especially her work with the children and youth in the Christian Education programs. She was a mentor to many youth throughout her life, referring to them all as “my kids”. Betty is survived by her sister Doris Trull (Bill), Nieces Cheri Bramley (Peter)and Cyndi Dickens (Sean), cousin Judy Strathie (Paul), great nieces Jennifer Bramley Mathis and Gayle Dickens Honiker, great nephews Scott Bramley and Travis Dickens, great-great nieces and nephews. Family and friends want to thank the many staff of Maine General Medical Center, Augusta for the special care they took of Betty during her illness. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in early summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memoryto the ‘Union Church of Belgrade Lakes (Missions & Outreach, Youth)’,Town of Belgrade (Belgrade Communities Playground Fund), Belgrade ME, or Camp Runoia Scholarship Fund, Belgrade Lakes ME.