Betty Ratcliffe Maiorana, born July 5, 1932, in Clermont, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, in Perkasie, PA, with her daughter, Karen, by her side holding her hand. The matriarch of the family, Betty lived a life marked by generosity, selflessness, and love. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support defined her relationships with everyone she touched.
Betty was a lifetime resident of Cape May County and took great pride in her community. She was a proud graduate of Middle Township High School and went on to lead a distinguished career as a supervisor at Bayside State Prison. Her dedication and commitment to her work were paralleled only by her service to others. Betty’s legacy includes her impactful tenure as the Executive Director of the American Red Cross Cape May County Chapter and as Treasurer for Dennis Township.
She enriched many community organizations with her enthusiasm and leadership. Betty was a Director of the Senior Center in the Villas and an Intergenerational Grandparent at Upper Township Public Schools. Her passion for civic engagement shone brightly through her membership in the Dennis Township Senior Center, the Antique Club of Ocean City, and the Cape May County Democratic Club and volunteering at the Cape May County Park/Zoo.
A nature lover and a master gardener through Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, Betty’s gardens were a testament to her patience and care. Her love for animals, yard sales, and flea markets showcased her joy in finding beauty and potential in the simplest things. With her cherished coloring books, she brought vibrant colors into the lives of her family and friends, ensuring every moment was a celebration. As evidenced by her love of tickling the ivories on the piano, she also had a great love of music which she shared as she taught others to play the piano and to enjoy playing the piano as much as she did.
Her surviving family cherishes her memory, including children Karen (Fred) Edwards, Phillip (Karen) Katz, and Sandra (Paul) Pagano; grandchildren Lisa, Christopher (Shaye), Phillip Jr. (Helen), Nicole, and Aaron; great-grandchildren CJ, Bryce, Troy, Waylon, Olivia, Kylie, and Peyton; honorary first son-in-law Jeff Goldstein and honorary grandson Derek Johnson and honorary ex-granddaughter-in-law Maria Brittingham; and nieces Joanne Bacon, Linda Backiel, and Mary Backiel.
Betty also leaves behind faithful friends Daisey and Skip Bodnar, Mike Stover, and Joe and Patty Keller, all of whom shared and contributed to her rich and rewarding life.
Those who knew Betty will always remember her lively spirit, her ability to make life a party, and the warmth of her love that made everyone feel special. Her life was a lesson in caring and a testament to the impact an individual can have on the many lives they touch. Betty Ratcliffe Maiorana will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to thrive in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Avenue, Cape May Court House, NJ, where viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Asbury Methodist Cemetery, Swainton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cape May County Animal Welfare Society, 40 Route 47 South, Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210 or any ASPCA location. Condolences at www.radzieta.com.
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