Obituary

Betty Jane Hand, 90, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Rose of Sharon Assisted Living, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was born December 17, 1934, in South Fork, PA, daughter of Clarence E. and Winifred H. (Pratt) Hand. Preceded in death by parents, sister, Patsy Ann Bloom, brother-in-law Alex Balser, nephews Nathan and Ryan Hand and niece, Jaime Rutledge. Survived by her loving daughter, Kathleen M. Helsel (Kim) Sass, beloved grandsons, Andrew (Kelly) Wantiez, Joel (Jessica) Wantiez, and Tyler Wantiez (Nicole Claar); and precious great-grandsons Sawyer, Matthew, Jacob, Caleb, and Samuel Wantiez. Also survived by her sister Judy Balser, Fairfax,VA, brothers James, State College, PA, and Terry (Pat) Hand, McVeytown, PA and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Education was Betty Jane’s true calling and she patiently guided and shaped countless young minds. Her teaching career with Forest Hills School District spanned 40 years, from 1956 to 1996. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University, and her Master’s Degree in Remedial Reading from I.U.P. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Epsilon Chapter, a professional honor society for women educators, from 1976 until the present time. Above all, Betty Jane was a devout Christian with unwavering faith, who always put God first in her life. She dedicated her life to serving others and the Lord, as one of his children. She taught children’s church, Bible school, coordinated many holiday pageants, and served as a member of the care commission. She was a member of the choir, worship team, bell choir, and holiday cantatas.

Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved family. Her heart was filled to overflowing with the deepest love for all of them. She was the best friend to her daughter and the most adoring “Mimi” to her grandsons and great grandsons. When her grandsons were young she loved going to football games with them, watching them perform in the band, vacationing at the beach, having sleepovers, and countless other fun activities. As she grew older, she loved watching her great grandchildren play together, reading to them and just spending time with them. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Forest Hills Rangers. Betty Jane also loved music and played trombone in the Forest Hills Community Band for over 20 years.

It is hard to summarize a life of 90 years for someone who so selflessly gave her all to the ones she loved the most. It is said that grief is the price of love, and we loved Mimi so very much and will miss her more than we can put into words. The hurt and pain of this loss will come and go, but we are thankful she is now at home in Glory. The memories of the time we were blessed to have with her will be forever in our hearts. Special thanks to devoted friend and fellow teacher, Helen Slonac, for a lifetime of friendship and the loving attention she provided when it was most needed. Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers at the Rose of Sharon home, especially Jen, whose commitment to Betty Jane’s care was extraordinary. Thanks also to the Lions Club, church groups, and community organizations for the parties and activities that brought joy to Betty Jane and all the residents of the Rose of Sharon home. At Betty Jane’s request, there will be no viewing. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Hindman Funeral Home, Frankstown Road, Pastor Geno Bartoletti officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty Jane’s memory to 1st Baptist Church of Nanty Glo, 995 Second Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:7-8.

Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.