Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Hess
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On June 8th, 2021, the world lost both Elizabeth Ann Hess and the world's greatest laugh.
Elizabeth Ann Hess (n?e Mecler) was born to Rudolph Dominic Mecler and Elizabeth Theresa Mecler (n?e Havlicek) on August 27, 1949. She grew up with three siblings: Martin, Joseph and Dianna. Her adventurous spirit got her in trouble often as a child. Even so, when her mother fell ill she stepped up to take care of her family at a young age while her father worked shifts.
As a teen she danced on the Buddy Deane Show and fell in love with Doug Hess. She married him at twenty-one and went on to spend 51 more years together.
A graduate of Dundalk High School (1967), Betty started work full-time as a secretary but retired as a division director at NOAA's Office of Atmospheric Research after 20+ years.
As wife to Doug, and mother to Gregory and Kathryn, work was never at the forefront of her mind in the way family was. There was always time for birthday parties, weddings, reunions, church, and fun. She loved dancing, singing, making faces, and had no shame in trying to make someone laugh. If that wasn't enough to get you, her own laugh always would. Big, loud, and full of elation, few sounds could make you feel as warm as her full belly laugh.
Betty's superpower was in knowing how to make people feel special and worthy. From liking everyone's Facebook posts, big bear hugs, and lending a hand whenever she could. When her father was ill, she took early retirement to help her sister care for him. Whenever you needed someone to count on, she was the one to call.
She loved travel, cruising, crafting, and being with family. The month before she passed, she was able to spend quality time with family and friends. Her last day was spent with the love of her life, holding hands, and enjoying a night out on the town.
A memorial service is being held at Eastern Assembly of God (7923 Wise Ave. Dundalk, MD) on June 18th at 11A. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Eastern Assembly of God through the Betty Hess Fund. This fund will go to the congregation's members most in need in honor of Betty's kindness. She is survived by her husband Douglas Hess, her son Gregory Hess and his wife Sarah, Grandkitty Render, daughter Kathryn Hess, sister Dianna Roberts and her husband Carl, brother Joseph Mecler and his wife Nancy, brother-in-law Jeffrey Hess and his husband Dan Proctor, sister-in-law Diane Liberto and her husband Ronald, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.