Obituary of Betty Rapp

COLONIE - Betty H. Rapp, 87, of Colonie passed away on Monday, February 10, 2014 at her home after a long illness. Born on June 23, 1926 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Hans and Florence (Frost) Herzog. Betty was a homemaker for many years before she returned to work. She worked as a secretary for Walter Motor Truck Co and Atlas Copco in Voorheesville. Upon retirement in 1988, she and her husband Edward traveled the country, visiting all 50 states and spending their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii where they renewed their wedding vows. They finally decided to settle down by spending summers at their camp in Keyser Lake and winters as "snowbirds" in LaBelle, FL. They enjoyed more than 20 years in retirement before coming back to the Capital District after Betty became ill. She will be remembered for her love of her family and friends, her charming and outgoing personality and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Survivors include her loving husband of 66 years, Edward R. Rapp who was also her devoted caregiver; daughters, Sharon Shirikian (James) and Connie Gebhardt (Bryan); daughter in law, Barbara Rapp; sisters, Dorothy Pisarski (Edward) and Elsie Fisher; grandchildren, Thomas E. Rapp, II (Peg Owen), Kelly and Kathleen Rapp, Andrea Burns (Owen IV), Courtney Bloomingdale, and Matthew Bloomingdale (Jennifer); step grandchildren, Stephen Shirikian and Julia Gebhardt; great grandchildren, Devynn, Austin, Ryker, Braiden, Kailyn, Ryan and Tyler; great great granddaughter, Jedda; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her son, Thomas E. Rapp; and siblings, William, Richard, Harold, Lloyd and Marion Herzog. Many thanks to the staff of Eddy Senior Care for the wonderful (PACE) program which allowed Betty to remain at home with her family. A special thanks to the home health aides' outstanding and compassionate care of Betty. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Lisha's Kill Reformed Church, 2131 Central Ave., Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.