Betty Jane Innamorato

Betty J. (Rutherford) Innamorato, a life-long resident of White Plains, passed away on January 19, 2025 at the age of 95. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and wonderful friend to many. She will be greatly missed.

Betty was born in 1929 to Sarah and William Rutherford. A 1947 graduate of White Plains High School, Betty was involved with Girl Scouts and Civil Air Patrol in her early years. Betty went on to join the US Air Force in 1948 as one of the first women to enter the service after the Women's Armed Services Integration Act was signed. Stationed in Tokyo, Japan from 1950-1952 in support of the Korean War effort, Betty served as an Airplane Dispatch Clerk and was awarded the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal among others.

Following her military service, Betty was employed first at Reader's Digest, then at American Telegraph and Telephone Company (AT&T). During her free time, Betty could often be found at the Mahopac Airport where she took flying lessons from airport manager and flight instructor, Saverio Innamorato. Betty and Saverio married in July 1960 at St. Martha's Church in White Plains.

The next season of Betty's life included motherhood, summer trips to Glass Lake, NY, and volunteering in her children's school library. An avid gardener, Betty was proud of her multiple vegetable gardens and many enjoyed the bountiful harvest they provided.

After her husband's passing in 1987, Betty dedicated 20 years to teaching English, American culture and customs to international adults at Living in America, an outreach program of the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY. Betty also enjoyed attending Women's Air Force (WAF) reunions all over the country and served as a Field Representative for the Military Women's Memorial. A great deal of her time was spent raising awareness and searching for servicewomen to ensure their military service was recognized and honored at the Washington, D.C. Memorial.

Betty is predeceased by parents, her brothers William and Howard, and her husband Saverio. She is survived by her two children, Rick Innamorato (Theresa) and Joy Kowenhoven (Peter). Betty was a devoted grandmother to her 7 grandchildren: Samantha, Melissa, Jacque, Temia, Peter, Kelly and Enrico-Saverio; and great-grandmother to Esperanza, Angelo, Joey and Jayden.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the friends and neighbors who assisted Betty in her final years. We are grateful for all the support you gave her which helped her live independently as was her wish.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

A Celebration of Remembrance is planned for March, information to follow.