Betty Carder Kolenda

Betty Kolenda Obituary

Betty Carder Kolenda, aged 94, passed away on November 5, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL. Born on February 11, 1930, Betty's life was marked by her resilient and adventurous spirit, always ready to explore new horizons and embrace life's joys.Betty grew up in Flint, Michigan, where she completed her high school education. Throughout her life, she was primarily dedicated to her role as a homemaker, enriching her family's life with love and care, while also engaging in various retail sales roles, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to supporting her family.Her life was filled with love and laughter, often hosting gatherings that showed her flair for entertaining. Betty's love for travel took her to and through every state except Alaska. Her life as a military spouse enabled her to experience living in The Philippines and England, as well as personal travel to several other countries including Israel. She was always keen to experience different cultures and cuisines and had a notable sweet tooth, a trait that made her baking particularly delightful, especially her pies, which were a family favorite.Betty was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Port Charlotte, FL, where she found spiritual solace and community after moving to the area with her first husband, Ben, in 1985. She remained active in the community with second husband, Louie Kolenda, after Ben’s passing. After being widowed again in 2009, and living alone for a number of years, she moved to an assisted living facility near her daughter in St Petersburg,FL. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, cooking, and contributing her creative talents to the church with flower arrangements for Sunday services. She was also an avid reader, often seen with a newspaper in hand, and a passionate follower of the Philadelphia Phillies, attending many Spring Training games sporting her Phillies visor and red tee shirt.She leaves behind daughter Brenda Carder (Susan Fazo); eldest son, B.G. Carder (Peggy), Penny Carder Snider (Brian), John Carder, and Julie Carder Barker (Matt); and great-grandchildren Shelby Snider, Ben and Charlie Barker, and Madelyne Claire. Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, Benjamin Carder and Louie Kolenda; son, Randall R. Carder; her parents, Irene and Carl Jones; and brother, Buel Jones and sister-in-law, Pat Jones. 

Visitation will be held on November 15, 2024, from 12-2 pm at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, with a service to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation honoring Betty‘s compassionate spirit. Please go to the website https://SuncoastHospiceFoundation.org for donation instructions.

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