Elizabeth "Betty" DeLong

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Wilkes University

Elizabeth DeLong Obituary

Anchorage resident Elizabeth "Betty" DeLong, 70, died Feb. 17, 2007, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
At her request, no formal service will take place. A celebration of life with family and friends will be this summer. Betty was cremated as she requested, and arrangements were with Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Burial will be near her parents in Pennsylvania.
Betty was born Sept. 20, 1936, in Hanover Township, Pa., to John and Sophie DeLong. She attended high school in Hanover Township, graduating in 1954. She attended Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., receiving a degree in medical technology in 1956.
Betty married her ex-husband, the late Norbert "Caribou" Karalunas, in 1959. Adventurous at heart, they drove a meandering path to Anchorage in 1962. Before the trip, Betty corresponded with the late Dr. Michael F. Beirne on starting the Blood Bank of Alaska. She became its first employee, working in Anchorage and periodically in other communities to create blood supplies. As executive director, she was particularly proud of her role in bringing the "new" 4000 Laurel St. facility into operation in 1981. From 1989 to 2006, Betty was employed at Alaska Regional Hospital in the blood bank and laboratory.
Her family wrote: "Betty was known for her big laugh, wide smile and generous nature. She loved gardening and loved to teach people about gardening. People would slow down as they drove by her home just to admire her beautiful flowers. She traveled extensively to Europe, China (as delegate with a medical advisory team), and all over the United States. Betty loved her family, including her cats, and will be deeply missed."
She is survived by her children, David Karalunas and daughter-in-law Pam of Fairbanks, Diane Karalunas and partner Brian Elmore of Anchorage; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Dr. John Rodzvilla of Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Rebecca Karalunas, and her parents.
Donations may be made in Betty's name to the Resource Center for Parents and Children, 726 26th Ave. No. 2, Fairbanks 99701, 1-907-456-2866.
Condolences may be sent to Diane Karalunas, 12210 Mary St., Anchorage 99517.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth DeLong

12 Entries

Ellie Payton

March 1, 2007

Betty opened her home and her heart to me when I was going through some teenage turbulence. I will remember her caring look, her incredible perceptiveness, and her willingness to share some encouraging words: she had a way of knowing what words would heal and teach. Thank you Betty. My deepest sympathies to David(Big Guy) and Diane.

Tim Obendorf

February 28, 2007

I don't know who spent more time at the Karalunas's, me or my dog Cinamon. But one thing is for sure, Betty loved both kids and dogs. She always welcomed us into her home and greeted us with a hearty laugh. She was my second mom during the 9 years I lived on Wendy's Way, and she will be greatly missed.

Hai Jack Giacometti

February 28, 2007

Betty was an anchor for the four of us in High School (David, Paul, Jeff and I). I remember private talks she shared with me about things that I could not share with my parents or my friends, I could trust her and that meant a lot to a confused teen ager.

Paul Currington

February 27, 2007

Betty took me in when I was 17 and my mother had just died. It was a great comfort to hear someone say, "You're coming to live with us and that's that." When everything was collapsing around me she stepped up and made things happen. I will always be grateful for the love and laughter we shared in that house.

Alex Ramuglia

February 27, 2007

I feel privileged to have known such a kind and gentle soul. She was my babysitter when I was young, and I remember she always used to buy us certs as a treat, which was a pretty big deal to a little kid. My sincerest condolences to her family.

Bridget Easley

February 27, 2007

Betty had more cheerful love in her heart than anyone I have ever known. I can hear her laugh. She was a friend to our family, especially to Alex, Maddy, and River as they grew up. I am so glad she came into our lives, and that we had an opportunity to know her.

Brenda Clem

February 26, 2007

Betty was a very lovely "lady". She was a joy to be around. She will be missed greatly. My condolences to the family.

John Stames

February 25, 2007

Well what can I say..... I guess that I was fortunate to have seen Betty when I came to anchorage last halloween. Betty and I shared a back fence for about 10 years....Yeah it's John!...I owned the house behind her on Wendy"s Way. I was so fortunate to have so many friendly tolerant neighbors, because many a nigh my house was the late night destination for many wayward and inebreated Chillkoots patrons.... " Hey, lets go to the "Wendys Way House" and party for a few more hours! ( It's a good thing that the walls were well insulated and the houses were so far apart!) Betty was always cheerfull and friendly many times we would talk over the fence or she would invite me over for a coffee or cool drink . Even though I left alaska a few years ago, I would always try to find time to stop and say hi when I was back in Anchorage. I never heard Betty complain much, even last fall when she was faced with more medical treatments. I miss ny old house and my old neighborhood and neighbors and Betty is certainly not the least of them . My sympathies to you Diane and I wish that I could be there to share your grief but I will be there in spirit... John Stames

Renee MacKenzie

February 25, 2007

We were and are, forever joined by a miracle, a joy, a graceful presence in a sometimes graceless world. My gratitude remains, sweetly seeded in the deep, secret places of the heart. A thank you, though profoundly felt, could never be enough. I honor your life, dearest Betty.

Leslie Egloff

February 25, 2007

Betty was one of those gals that made me enjoy coming to work and sneak in a visit now and then. We have been out of touch but I have often thought of this super nice lady. She will be missed by so many people.

michelle tinoosh

February 25, 2007

Thank you for the past 30 years of love, compassion, sincerity & humility. Thank you for knowing what is best but the gentle nature in which you let things be, yet your guided protection never let big ideas get too big. Thank you for being the kind of Mom all Diane's friends could talk to.Thank you for your courage, loyalty and love. Thank you for the peaceful morailty we saw in your eyes. Thank you for loving all of us. Thank you for teaching us without us even knowing. Thank you for your forgivness, love, peace and humility. Thank you for your children. Thank you for buying the best snack food on the block. THank you for loving animals. THank you for conserving resources. THank you for caring about the world.May God bless you with His abundant kindess, always.

We are forever indebted to you for your compassion in life and in death.

"For a person's capacity and greatness are to be measured by his virture, not by his fortune. "Author unknown.

Diane Karalunas

February 25, 2007

I just wanted to say thank you to all the people who showed such amazing love and support to my family during one of the most difficult times I've experienced. The generous outpouring, of both the medical community, neighbors and friends was overwhelming.

Also, please note: I made a mistake on the address for condolenses, the correct address is 12210 Mary Ave.

Thank you,
Diane Karalunas

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