Betty made the most important decision of her life when she trusted the LORD Jesus Christ as her Saviour. It changed who she was, how she lived, and where she is spending eternity. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
My Mother, Betty, was born Betty J. Vacanti on September 21st, 1944, in Buffalo New York, to the late Anthony & Marjorie (Lathrop) Vacanti. Initially raised in East Aurora, New York, and eventually moving to Erie, Pennsylvania where she graduated from the Villa Maria Academy. Betty met Jack E. (“Buzz”) Barton of Corry, Pennsylvania and after a whirlwind romance, the two were married on April 27th, 1968, and moved to Florida. The couple resided in Seminole, Florida, and had one child, Jack who loves and misses them both very much. Betty worked tirelessly for over 30 years, with the Pinellas County School System and earned countless awards and honors. Her day-to-day personal interactions with the students were what was to her, the “most rewarding and fulfilling.”
But Betty’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren Eliah, Zeta, and Trinity. She was always eager to drop whatever she was doing or had planned just to be able to spend time with them, which she did constantly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack E. (Buzz) Barton, her sister Barbara A. Abbate and brothers-in-law Frank J. Abbate and Dennis J. Krumpe. She is survived by her son, Jack, and his amazing wife Sheila, and her three grandchildren Eliah, Zeta, and Trinity; as well as her brothers Tony and wife Myra, Joey and wife Suzie Q, and sister Nancy.
Betty’s last words were, “I love you; I love you, HALLELUJAH”!
Betty took her final breath on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, and passed on to Heaven from our home in Virginia surrounded by those who love her most in this world. Betty is now more alive than she has ever been and finally reunited with the love of her life after 21 years, 5 months, and 12 days… Jack Sr.!
Of Betty, it can be fittingly said, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)
The family will hold a private service at, Gospel Light Baptist Church, where Betty was a member, at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Gospel Light Baptist Church Missions Fund, 31 Kingston Rd, Evington, VA 24550