Bettie Jean Kalstad

KALSTAD, BETTIE JEAN, 93, a WWII Veteran, born in Washington, D.C. on May 01, 1917, died peacefully of natural causes May 21, 2010. Formerly Lt. Bettie McKnight served as a Navy Nurse in WWII in Aiea Heights Hospital in Hawaii. She also served at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Jacksonville Naval Hospital. She marched in the VJ day parade in Pearl Harbor August 14, 1945 with the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She earned the American, Victory, Asiatic and Pacific War medals. She was married to Henry M. Kalstad. Cdr. Kalstad also served in WWII as a Naval aviator. His death preceded hers in 1974. She leaves behind four of five children. Her oldest son Cdr. Kendall Kalstad was tragically killed in a car accident in December 2009. Words could never express the loss to the family and to this world of this remarkable soul. Karla, Kristen, Keith, and Kirk are left behind. In addition, Bettie boasts four grandchildren, Kendall, Kristofer, Heidi, and Kristine, two of whom graduated from the USNA in Annapolis. In addition, there are six great-grandchildren. Bettie was a "life master" duplicate bridge player. She enjoyed her friends and the game at the Severna Park Bridge Club for over 30 years. Her loss will be greatly felt by family and friends. A burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy, Annapolis, MD 21401. Arrangements made by Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com