Betty Jagow

Betty Louise Wise Jagow, 90, of Thurmont, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 27, 2018, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Betty’s beloved husband of 70 years, Victor Russel Jagow, who passed exactly seven months earlier in November, 2017, surely must have asked the Lord to bring her home, too, so they could experience the joys of eternal life together, free of pain and worry.
Born on October 9, 1927, in Niagara Falls, NY, Betty was the daughter of the late Newton and Dorothy Coleman Wise. Betty graduated from high school in Niagara Falls and held office jobs before motherhood became her profession. She and Vic relocated in 1955, when Moore Business Forms transferred him to their Thurmont plant.
Betty was a devoted homemaker while her children were young, after which she worked part time at both Super Thrift locations in Thurmont and later at the St. Joseph’s College library in Emmitsburg. She loved roller skating and enjoyed duckpin bowling on leagues in Thurmont and Frederick. She also loved collecting anything having to do with butterflies and Swarovski crystal.
Betty was also a “second mother” to members of The Coachmen, a popular local cover band that included her son, Gary, which Vic founded and managed during the 1960’s. She and Vic were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont for many years, and most recently, members of Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Walkersville.
Betty was a bit more adventurous in her younger years, traveling from Niagara Falls with her older brother, Jim, in the 1940s, on the back of his Harley to attend the Indianapolis 500 race, a special memory she could readily detail up until her final days, even when it was difficult for her to recall what she’d had for breakfast.
Although she and Vic took regular road trips over the years to visit family up north and across the country (as well as two exciting trips to Germany and Hawaii), she was always happiest back home in Thurmont. In her later years especially, she became a true “homebody,” preferring to quietly remain in the background holding down the home front while Vic continued to be the consummate community volunteer even after his retirement. In this respect, only, they were polar opposites. The strong faith in God they both shared and commitment to family made them perfect partners for nearly 71 years. Betty’s home of 60+ years was special to her, so much so that she rejected the opportunity to escape the winter cold by moving to Florida to live with her daughter, Gwen. Unfortunately, after Vic’s passing, it was not possible for her to remain in her beloved home.
The family would like to thank the Mountain Gate unit at St. Joseph’s Ministries in Emmitsburg for providing a homelike atmosphere while she was a resident, and the Frederick Memorial Hospital Hospice unit, whose constant and compassionate care never left Betty feeling alone, thereby making her last days comfortable and painless.
Betty is survived by son Gary and life partner Harriette, of Littlestown PA; daughter Gwen and husband Jerry Leahy, of New Smyrna Beach, FL; two grandchildren, Shawn and Shannon Leahy; three great-grandchildren, Nile (Andrew) Potts, Cassidy Atteberry-Leahy, and Gavin Leahy; and two great-great grandchildren, Emry and Meriwether Potts. Betty is also survived by her brother, Melvin Wise of Niagara Falls, NY.  She was predeceased by brothers Jim and Harold Wise. Betty will also be missed by precious family friends, Rocky Birely, Alban Little, Bill Sheehan, and by her special caregiver, Juanita Townsend.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 1 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 2 at 11:00 AM, Reverend Tim May officiating.  Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery.
May Betty’s life inspire all of us to reflect on and better appreciate the simple pleasures and cherished memories associated with our “homes,” both present and past.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799