Bette Rae Albanese, 73, a lifelong resident of New Brighton, passed on August 2, 2011. (The day on which she would have celebrated her 53rd Wedding Anniversary to Lawrence J. Albanese). A woman of deep faith, she believed, and was assured by Scripture, that she would be reunited with Larry; and in the presence of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
She was born June 28, 1938, Elizabeth Rae Baker, daughter of C. Howard and Mabel (Mueller) Baker. Elizabeth met and married the love of her life, Lawrence J. Albanese, on August 2, 1958.
She was known affectionately by family and friends as Bette Rae. A devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother family was most important to her. She was also blessed to have a circle of friends who maintained a very close and personal relationship for 55 years. Everyone knew them as the "Card Club Ladies". Bette Rae was a faithful and active member of the New Brighton Christian Assembly. Bette Rae retired as teacher's aide from the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit after many rewarding years of service.
In addition to her parents she was preceded by her husband, Lawrence J. Albanese on September 9, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law: Roxsan Betters Albanese; and her mother and father-in-law: Lorenzo and Teresa Albanese.
She is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law: David and Barbara Albanese, New Brighton; Jeff and Kathy Albanese, New Brighton; Timothy Albanese, Beaver; Daniel and Amy Albanese, Corona, CA; one daughter and son-in-law: Susan and Ryan Paskey, New Brighton; twelve grandchildren: Lorenzo, Giovanna, Luciano, Angela, Jessica, Nicholas, Isabella, Sophia, Samuel, Dante, Luke and Elizabeth; her faithful and loving sister and brother-in-law: Denise "Dee" and Gary Hershberger, Canonsburg, PA; and two brothers: Donald and Charles; three brothers-in-law: Tom and Joan Albanese; Rich and Darlene Albanese; Don and Suzanne Albanese; her sister-in-law: Loretta and Philip Santana; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). Her funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the New Brighton Christian Assembly, 1801 Valley Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066 with Pastor Sam DeMarco, officiating. Everyone is kindly asked to go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Private interment will be in Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.