Obituary of Betty B. Tornatore

Betty B. Tornatore, 87, a loving mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, sister and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully at her home in State College on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Born on January 13, 1937, in Greensburg PA, Betty was the daughter of the late Richard Vincent and Sophia Marie Samonick Brahosky. On September 14, 1977, she married Maximo J. Tornatore, who preceded her in death on August 9, 2005, after 28 years together.

Betty leaves behind a devoted family who will deeply miss her caring spirit - two children, Carole W. McKeon and her husband Scott A. of Wayne, and Richard P. "Rick" Williams and his wife Meredith K. of Sellersville; a step-daughter, Jane B. "Beege" Tornatore of Seattle, WA; her beloved sister Dorothy B. Monta and brother-in-law Louis A. of Monroeville; eight grandchildren, Kendra L. and her husband, Curtis Reilly, Zachary J. R. Kasznel and his wife, Gavrielle, Katherine E. McKeon, Brian R. McKeon, Megan L. McKeon, Mark A. McKeon, Sydney C. Williams, and Riley M. Williams; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin G., and Giselle L. Reilly; and multiple nieces and nephews who all brought her immense joy. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer L. Lancaster on December 18, 1999, and siblings Richard Brahosky, John Brahosky, Albert Brahosky, and Julia Dodds.

A 1954 graduate of Greensburg High School, Betty continued her education at Westmoreland Hospital School of Nursing and received additional credits at Seton Hill College. Fifteen years later, Betty returned to school and earned her Associate's degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from Penn State University. Her life-long love of reading led to her certification in dimensional speed reading, which she described as an invaluable skill.

She had a long, rewarding career caring for pediatric patients as a nurse for Dr. Richard Stefko and later Dr. J. Alfred Jones in primary care. Betty embraced life with compassion, faith, and service to others as an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha community. She volunteered frequently at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, spreading kindness wherever she went. In her free time, Betty delighted in quilting, spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening, and always learning something new about technology…she loved to text!

Those who knew Betty will remember her warmth, nurturing spirit, and devotion to family. She will be profoundly missed.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 6-8 pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St, State College.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Betty's life will occur at 10 am on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, officiated by Father George Jakopac.

Burial will follow mass at Pine Hall Cemetery. Afterward, friends and family are invited to continue sharing memories of Betty at a luncheon held at Centre Hills Country Club, 153 Country Club Rd, State College, PA 16801.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 1300 Benner Pike, Suite B, State College, PA 16801, honoring Betty's dedication to their mission.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Koch Funeral Home of State College. Online condolences and memories of Betty may be offered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.