South Yarmouth – Betty-Jane Burkhardt, 88, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away at Cape Cod Hospital on January 23, 2023 after a brief illness. It will come as no surprise to those who knew Betty-Jane that she drafted her own obituary, which follows.
Betty-Jane, or BJ, to many, was born to Doris W. Burkhardt and Edmund J. Burkhardt and grew up in Shrewsbury, MA. She attended Beal High School. Upon graduation she was hired as a statistical clerk by Pan American Airways in New York City. She completed many courses in business and airline business and management. During her 19 years at Pan Am, she rose to become a Manager of Training Administration. She took full advantage of travel privileges and explored England, France, Italy, Russia, American Samoa, Australia, Portugal,, Spain, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Africa, Hawaii, Thailand, Brazil, India and numerous Caribbean islands sometimes many times. BJ loved photography and filled many albums with photos of her travels and of her friends and family. She has many framed photos of her travels in her home.
Following her time at Pan Am, BJ left New York City and returned to Massachusetts living on Cape Cod, initially in Hyannis, then in South Yarmouth. She was hired at Cape Cod Community College where she worked for 28 years as Staff Associate to the President. At the time of her retirement, she was voted an Administrator Emerita. In her retirement she initiated a CCCC retiree newsletter which she was still actively generating at the time of her death. Beginning in 1987, she served the town of Yarmouth in several volunteer capacities including the Finance Committee, Precinct Warden and Personnel Board. She was still active on the Personnel Board and serving as Chair.
BJ leaves her niece, Kathleen H. Coulombe, Kathleen’s husband Thomas and their three children Kathleen (Kaydee) Clark, Amanda Coulombe and Brian Coulombe and Brian’s three children Taima Jay, Lily and Ethan. She was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy L. Horgan and her niece, Betty-Jane Horgan.
Betty-Jane loved animals and particularly adored her West Highland Terriers. Piper, her last, predeceased her only 3 weeks ago. BJ requested that donations be made in her memory to the Yarmouth Police Department Canine Donation Account.
A memorial service will be held at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. 02664 on February 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private at the request of family.
The Hallett Funeral Home of South Yarmouth assisted with arrangements.
