Alice "Betty" Harkins' Obituary
Alice Elizabeth “Betty” Harkins, daughter of William and Gertude Harkins, sister of John W. Harkins, passed away peacefully at age 89 on Tuesday, Oct 26, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Hatboro, PA on Dec 14, 1931, Betty was strong in her Christian faith and desire to impact the lives of others.
“Born into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and having felt led to serve Him in South America, I am at last making final preparations for departure to ‘foreign shores’.”
After graduating with a degree in Nursing in 1954 from Wheaton College, she spent her life sharing the Word of God through her work in Missionary Nursing and teaching in South America and the United States. Betty became the First Missionary Nurse to obtain permanent nursing registration in Ecuador and supervised Missionary Nurses in Quito.
Through the years, Betty became Director of Nursing, and taught Nursing in Ecuador at Rimmer Memorial Hospital, Andes Mountains; Epp Memorial Hospital in Shell; Nursing Professor with Catholic University School of Nursing; Congress of PanAmerican Federation of Nurses. In the US, she taught nursing at St. Petersburg Junior College, FL and North Georgia College.
In 1995, Betty retired to Bradenton Missionary Village, where she served 10 years as a faithful volunteer for the Village Care Center at Bradenton Missionary Village/il Villagio. She joined First Presbyterian Church, Bradenton, Florida in April 2000, where she was an active member and joined the Mission Committee. Among her other activities, she was a Guide in the Christian Women's Bible Study groups, and served as a SHINE counselor (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders).
Betty’s drive and ability to connect with and help other people, her laugh, determination, strong faith, and feisty spirit are missed by all who knew and loved her.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov 3 at 1 pm at il Villaggio, 1200 Aurora Boulevard, Brandenton, FL 34212. Internment to follow at 3 pm at Skyway Memorial, 5200 US Highway 19, Palmetto, FL 34221.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?
