Elizabeth "Betty" Lou Brinkman

Elizabeth “Betty” Lou Brinkman

Hardworking and Dedicated Volunteer -

Elizabeth “Betty” Lou Brinkman, age 84, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Colonial Park, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, after a brief illness.  Betty was born on Thursday, February 7, 1935 in Havre, MT to the late Delfred “Del” Brinkman and Dorothy (Watkins) Brinkman, both of Chinook, MT, where she grew up with her younger brothers as well as her beloved maternal grandmother, the late Elsie Beckstead.  In addition to her parents and grandmother, Betty is preceded in death by her son, Glenn Louis Kirkaldie; and her brother, Fred Brinkman.

While in college in Montana, she met and married the late Louis “Lou” Kirkaldie, with whom she had four children: Naida, Kathleen, and Carla, as well as Glenn, who died in infancy.  Their travels took them from Montana to California to Nebraska and at last to Pennsylvania, where they made their home.

Betty loved music and singing, and lent her voice to many church and community choirs over the years.  She played the piano, and was an accomplished drummer.  She also had a talent for and loved dancing of any kind.  She was an excellent seamstress, and often created clothing for the whole family.   She enjoyed cooking, fishing, and watching birds, and was renowned for her seasonal decorations.  Throughout her life, Betty volunteered and worked for a wide variety of causes, including Girl Scouts, Contact, and WomenCare in Harrisburg, the YMCA in York, and with her churches in each place she lived.   She volunteered at her children’s schools and in hospitals, worked with children and adults with special needs, and believed in the quality and dignity of life for everyone.

Betty is survived by her three daughters: Naida Burgess of Smithville, NJ, Kathleen Boas of Austin, TX, Carla Kreider of Quarryville, PA; her three sons-in-law: David, Charlie, Wayne; her eight grandchildren; and her brother, Bill Brinkman.

All are welcome to join Betty’s family on Friday, August 16, 2019 for her Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Del Keeney officiating.  Betty’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the service.  The family requests that everyone please wear bright colors, particularly with a touch of orange if you feel so moved, in honor of her love for all things bright and beautiful.  Cremation was private.

The family would like to thank her many friends for the kindness, love, and understanding you have shown to our mother over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that her memory be honored through volunteering for the causes you find worthy, surrounding yourself with music, and watching the songbirds, she enjoyed so much.

Betty’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Betty’s full obituary and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.