Birth date: Oct 15, 1927 Death date: Aug 31, 2017
Johanna “Hanna” Kissinger Betat, age 89, died in her Palmetto home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Johanna was born October 15, 1927, in the German village of Furstenfeld 1, Romania. She was the daughter of Read Obituary
This is a tribute to Hanna Betat, my mom. As I think back on memories of Mom, I realize that there is one thing that is forever present in all events and times that come to mind about her, it is her strong faith and personal belief in God. From my very first memories, and even before, in all the stories of her life prior to me being born, all the way to the very end of her life, my mother had a faith in God that could not be shaken. Her strong beliefs were evidenced in her life by the kindness and love she gave to all and by the very way she lived each moment.
I remember a few years back, when Mom was in her 80s, she told me how she had gone outdoors to tend to her roses and while there she tripped and fell to the ground. It was hot outside, the windows and doors were closed, the air conditioning was running in the house, my dad had been napping when she went outside, so she knew he would not be able to hear her calling. She said she prayed to God for strength and was able to get up on her own and go back into the house. She was always willing to share such things with others so as to be an encouragement.
Mom left a legacy of love to her family and friends that is being passed on from generation to generation. How blessed I am to have had such a wonderful and Godly woman as my mother! Tomorrow, October 15th, would have been her 90th birthday. I miss her more than words can express and I feel my heart is broken for her! Yet I give thanks to the God that she taught me to know and love, for I am forever grateful to be one of her children.
Her hands
Her hands received me into this world
They nurtured me and cared for me.
Her hands taught me how to sew
They also taught me that I could get flowers and vegetables to grow
Her hands worked tirelessly to keep our home happy and clean
They prepared miles and miles of strudel and other delicious things
Her hands held me when I was scared
They carried me when I was tired.
Her hands made me a new nightgown for my very first sleep-over
I could hear them clapping proudly when I was on stage for school functions.
Her hands tenderly held the most precious things that I have ...my children.
They volunteered to take care of my kids so that I could further my education.
Her hands were the most beautiful hands and I will miss being able to hold them again
But I know they forever will hold my heart.
I love you mom
I wrote this poem for my mom. I miss her so very much ❤️
When I start to think about memories I have with Mom, I again realize what an amazing woman and wonderful mom she was. Having lost her mom as a child, she was able to make known to me the preciousness of relationships. The greatest of which she continually shared in was with Our Heavenly Father. She showed me the importance of communication for any relationship, however, she was most grateful for the ability to share anything & everything with God. Often she would tuck us in & pray with us, or inquire if we remembered to pray ourselves. I remember busy school mornings, she would push us so that we'd have time for a morning devotional. I recall her praising God through song throughout each day as she worked, her prayers & songs were all part of her continual communication with the One she loved & respected most. It has become more clear to me, that HE was what filled her heart to love so greatly & so many! Obviously her sweetheart, who she was lovingly devoted to was Dad! She was always considerate of him and his feelings, appreciative of all his hard work and making him the leader of our home. As a child, it became very clear to me, that family relationships were extremely important, not something to joke about, life was sacred. I recall rather jokingly telling an uncle that I would kill him over something (that part I don't recall) but, what I do is being taken into the bathroom & spoken to very seriously by mom that I should never ever speak in that way, especially to a relative. Yes, family bonds were special! Mom's love didn't stop there! I recall what seemed, weekly, she would invite any church visitor(s) home for Sabbath lunch to a delicious spread that often included baked potatoes, roast, squash, apple sauce, salad, rolls, and cheesecake. Everything was always home made from scratch including the grape juice - Delicious! Yes, she was a wonderful Mother, a Loving example of a true Christian, a great teacher! I feel that I've only begun to know just how much I miss her. Longing for the day when there will be no more heart ache, when I not only will see her again, but also see her reunited with daddy, and her own mom!
Mom didn't have very much when she grew up so she learned to be very thrifty and to recycle clothing and other items when it wasn't yet a popular thing to do, I think I got all my thrifty genes from my mother. She loved going thrift store shopping with me, and always enjoyed hearing all my stories of my thrift store finds...we had many good laughs over my thrifting stories.
I remember as a child mom would always make us a big wonderful supper, sometimes consisting of apple strudel for dessert, she was a good cook and baker...she'd bake 8-10 loaves of homemade bread for us each week. She was a devoted mother and wife. She always gave us kids jobs to do which taught us responsibility and cleanliness. She was the best mom, always thinking of and helping other's. I love and miss you mom, and look forward to seeing you in heaven.
Memories of a wonderful mother to me. She always cared for all her children teaching them to share love and making us aware of our responsibilities to God and mankind. Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a wonderful mother. I love you and look forward to Jesus soon return, when we can be together again!
What wonderful memories I have of my mother, Johanna. From her honest and hardworking ethics, to her love and compassion of family, and especially children, she was always ready to help and support us. As a child I remember waking up from a bad dream and feeling afraid ,so I called for her from my bed, she came to me quickly and assured me I didn't need to be afraid forJesus was with me,if I would just foldmy hands and ask him to help. me, I would be able to sleep again, unafraid. I did as she directed me and the Lord honored my childish faith. I thank my mother that she taught not just with words, but by example as well.
