Betty Jane Arko

Betty Jane Arko
January 6, 1946 – September 4, 2024
Betty Jane Arko, 78, originally from Bellmore, NY passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2024. She was a vibrant soul whose love for life was reflected in her many passions. Betty was a cherished member of her community and a beloved family matriarch.
Betty was a founding member of the Community Singers of Lake Norman, where her voice and enthusiasm brought joy to many. She was also an active member of the North Mecklenburg Woman's Club, often encouraging friends to join and share in the camaraderie that the Woman's Club provided. Betty loved to travel. From Greece to Alaska, to the Baltic, she was always up for a new adventure! Upon returning she was forever excited to share stories of her expeditions with friends. Always an avid reader, Betty loved getting lost in a good book, and sharing her favorite stories with the ladies of the Opining Women Book Club.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Dorothy Wasson, her beloved husband and soul mate, Frederick Jude Arko, her sisters: Barbara and Dorothy Mae, her brother Warren Wasson and her sister-in-law Pat. She is survived by her daughters Brenda and Julie, her son Frederick, his wife Jill and her sister-in-law Gloria Pfeifer. She also leaves behind her nephews Barry Wasson, William Wetzold, Robert and Tommy Salina, and her nieces Mari Anne Wetzold and Laura Edenstrom.
Betty lived by the belief that strangers were merely friends she had yet to meet. Her kindness, warmth, and zest for life touched all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at James Funeral Home 10520 Arahova Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Betty's honor, 5445 77 Center Dr Suite 60, Charlotte, NC 28217, www.heart.org
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.