Betty Jane Mandos

Betty Jane Mandos was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 16, 1933 to Azora Matilda (Aschemoor) Knabe and Herman Otto Knabe. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her brother, Gerald Allen Knabe.

On July 27, 1957, at the age of 23, surrounded by family and childhood friends, Betty married William Hugh Mandos. Their honeymoon was spent traveling to Sarasota, Florida, with his parents and sister to the six-unit Mandos Motel built by William’s family. The newlyweds then proceeded further south to Fort Myers, where Bill had been transferred to work at the new Southern Loan office. Eventually the couple built one of the first homes in the Villas. In 1965 Betty’s parents joined them in the sunshine state, and built a house in the Villas too – right next door. Betty stayed home with her children until her youngest went to kindergarten and she began working at the school as an assistant. In 1974 Betty began working at the Lee County Property Appraisers office. Her employment there lasted 29 years and produced several life-long friends – along with many wonderful memories.

Although many happy holidays were spent in Sarasota with Bill’s family enjoying the beach, and vacationing in North Carolina, the couple divorced in 1982 after 26 years of marriage. Betty found the greatest happiness in being a mother, and a grandmother. She loved doting on all pets, and enjoyed feeding a variety of wildlife.

Blessed by her sweet nature, even in the late stages of dementia, she would smile and connect kindly with others. Left to cherish her memories are her son, William Hugh Mandos, Jr.; daughter, Cynthia Lee Mandos; grandchildren, Amanda Nicole Mandos, Mishay Alexandria Mandos, Alek Matthew Mandos, Aleese Kaitlyn Mandos; sister-in-law, Dixie J. (Knabe) Gaffney; nephews and nieces, Peter G. Knabe, Susan A. Knabe, David A. Knabe, Deborah Lynn (Mandos) Cole, Pamela (Mandos) Plonsker, George Mandos, Jr., Jack Timmons, Connie Huffman, James Mandos III; as well as many grand nephews and nieces; and countless friends.

Our Mother had a pure and beautiful heart, and we will always remember her in the beauty of life – especially in the flowers and in the birds. An intimate service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 3pm at the Hope Hospice Chapel, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, followed by a reception at the house. If you would like to celebrate her life with us, please let us know, cindee@buttercupstudio.com Condolences may be made online at gallaheramericanfamilyfuneralhome.com