GEMS Department loses valued team member of 20 years

By Lauren Varga

Retired Geological, Environmental and Marine Science (GEMS) department secretary, Elizabeth “Betty” Falkenstein, 67, died on Tuesday, Aug. 29, in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia after she was diagnosed with a “blood born urinary tract infection,” according to Dr. Jonathan Yavelow of the GEMS Department. Betty had battled with Lymphoma for many years but that didn’t keep her from doing the things she loved most.

“She really enjoyed to travel and get out and [be active],” said Dr. Jonathan M. Husch, professor of GEMS department.

According to Yavelow, Betty enjoyed scuba diving. In fact, she and her late husband, Harry F. Falkenstein, Sr., moved to Little Kamen Island for six months after she retired. They spent most of their time scuba diving, snorkeling and golfing.

After being employed by Rider University in the GEMS department for more than 20 years, Betty will be remembered as “caring and maternal” said Husch.

Yavelow gives this account of Betty’s maternal instincts.

“I remember going to a cancer meeting in Los Angeles and Betty had taken care of the flight and the hotel and so I remember getting off the plane in L.A. and I didn’t know where I was supposed to go,” said Yavelow. “So, I called [Betty] up and she said, ‘Yes, this is where you need to go, this is your hotel.’ So, the manner of really holding onto all these relevant details so the faculty could do the best work they could and interact with the students the best they could [was because of her].”

According to Dr. Richard R. Alexander, chairperson of GEMS department, Falkenstein would help with such organizations as the Honor Key Society where her attention to detail really made a
difference.

“She took on responsibilities that were outside of her job description,” he said. “I even requested her for bonus pays.”

According to the Bucks County Courier Times, Betty is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Harry F. Jr., and Sandy Falkenstein of Hamilton, Paul A. Falkenstein of New Hope; two daughters and one son-in-law, Joan M. and Ed Ramos of Morrisville, Beth A. Falkenstein of Morrisville; five grandchildren, Lauren, Ashley E., John, Michael and Patrick.

Although secretarial work is sometimes strenuous, Betty “always tried to meet your requests” said Husch.

“When she left, that was a huge void to fill,” said Husch. “We had a number of people come here and work in that office, but none of them [were] Betty.”

Donations in memory of Betty Falkenstein can be made to Rider University and the Betty Falkenstein Office Fund.