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Claire Betz Obituary

CLAIRE SMITH BETZ Claire Smith Betz, of Key Largo, Florida, died February 6, 2014. Formerly of Upper Gwynedd, PA, Claire was the wife of the late John Drew Betz. Claire graduated from Mount St. Joseph's Academy and Villanova University. She was a part owner of the Phillies baseball team and a former member of the Board of Directors of The Schuylkill Center and Breachmenders Isaiah 58:12. In earlier years, she was an avid golfer and trap and skeet shooter. Claire had a deep interest in the environment and in the preservation of open space. The donation of over 200 acres of her Upper Gwynedd property to the Natural Lands Trust was just one example of her commitment to ensure the land would remain open space and be an area where wildlife and natural beauty could be enjoyed by all. Claire was a philanthropist and contributed funds to many local charities and community organizations as trustee of the JDB Fund, a private foundation started by her late husband. Surviving are three sons, John Drew Betz, Jr., Michael Betz and Steven Betz; two daughters, Tessa Grace and Joan LaRocco; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Desmond; sons Anthony and Peter and daughter Jacqueline Betz Murphy. Private services were held in Pennsylvania on February 21st.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reporter from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, 2014.

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5 Entries

GERALD DOMBECKI

May 14, 2020

My Summers and Winters at the "Farm" were awesome. Claire Betz was a very kind and generous person. I will never Forget Her. Rest in Peace Angel, Im sorry it took me so long to respond. PS: I told You that you should have resigned Jimmy Key>>> Lol

August 1, 2014

This was a very kind and sweet woman always understated. Ted Weatherby

Michael Buck

April 2, 2014

Dear Joan,Steven and Family,
As soon as I saw the uniforms, I knew what had happened. The feeling of loss made my heart sink. I remember Mrs. Betz as kind, thoughtful, energetic and fun loving. As are both of you! My summers on the “Farm” taught me so much and left me with many happy memories. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet your parents. They broke the mold!

March 1, 2014

Claire was a sweet and generous person with a kind soul. She loved her Phillies. Education was very important to her along with family.

A R

February 28, 2014

Dear family, I am sorry for your loss, may you all find comfort by drawing close to God at this difficult time. James 4:8

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