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Elizabeth M. Passman

Elizabeth Mary Passman of Punta Gorda, Fla., beloved mother and grandmother, went to join her Lord on Monday, March 3, 2014.

Betty joins her beloved husband, Francis, and her deceased children, Mary Frances and Francis, Jr.

Left to mourn Betty are Elizabeth “Betsy” Nicastro, her precious and loving daughter, her son-in-law, Charles Nicastro, nine grandchildren: Frances (Mickey) Garnploog, C.J. (Tammy) Nicastro, Jonathan (Brittney) Nicastro, Joseph (Jennifer) Nicastro, Elizabeth Nicastro, Anthony Nicastro, Francis Anthony Passman, Mariellen (Jonathan) Taraboleti, Patricia (Ehran) Bedestani and nine great-grandchildren: Carter Nicastro, Libby Nicastro, Jillianne Nicastro, Paige Elizabeth Nicastro, Julia Nicastro, Gianna Nicastro, Tyler Hanyon, Jackson Taraboleti and Brandon Bedestani.

Betty was born in Brooklyn to Elizabeth (Brooks) Farrell and William Farrell. Betty graduated from St. Mary Mother of Jesus Elementary School in Brooklyn. Following her graduation from Jamaica High School in 1937, she attended Brooklyn College where she achieved her degree in English and education.

American Airlines hired Betty in their first group of women reservation agents where she met the love of her life, Francis Patrick Passman, Sr. They married on July 7, 1945.

During their 66 years of marriage, he supported and encouraged her in her life long mission of helping children. She taught school in the Bethpage and Farmingdale, New York School Districts. Betty went on to achieve her master’s degree from Adelphi University. As her career advanced, she became an expert in reading education, teaching at all levels and ultimately heading the reading program for the school district. She went on to become assistant principal at Parkway Oaks School, Farmingdale, and retired in 1981 as principal of Albany Avenue School.

Upon retirement, her dedication to children and education continued as she taught religious education at Sacred Heart Church in Punta Gorda, Fla., and served on the board of education for St. Charles Borremeo School in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Betty and Frank spent many vacations traveling throughout Europe along with many road trips to visit their children and grandchildren.

While Betty was a member of the Ladies Guild of Sacred Heart Church she served as secretary and rosary coordinator, and helped in the fund raising activities, especially bingo and parish dinners.

Betty lived a long and admittedly full life. She delighted in her family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was loved dearly and will be missed.

The viewing will take place from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 10 at Charlotte Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Springs Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, 941-639-1171. A Mass in Celebration of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Sacred Heart Church, 211 W. Charlotte Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, 941-639-3957.