Betty Jane (Strubing) Oswald

Betty Jane (Strubing) Oswald, 92, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025.

Born to James and Edna Strubing, in Reading, PA, on September 30, 1932, Betsy was a child of the Great Depression, an upbringing that probably shaped the strong sense of justice and wicked sense of humor that characterized her personality throughout her life. She spent her childhood in Laureldale and graduated from Muhlenberg High School in 1950. She attended the Reading Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 1952. Betsy met her husband of 53 years, Edward Gael Oswald, through mutual friends after he returned from serving in the Army during the Korean War, and the couple married in 1955. Shortly after the birth of their first two children they purchased her childhood home in Laureldale and resided there throughout the remainder of their life together.

Betsy was a devoted mother to her three boys, Edward “Eddie” (Maureen), James “Jimmie” (Susan), and William “Billie,” whose names she was known to incorrectly interchange while scolding them. She was a working mom before it was common or even socially acceptable to be one, enduring criticism from her peers when she decided to pursue higher education and become a nurse anesthetist in 1969. Though she continued to work full time at the Reading Hospital throughout her sons’ childhoods until her retirement in 1996, Betsy still found time to serve as a Boy Scout Den Mother, make home cooked meals and competitively square dance with her husband and friends.

Betsy was also a devoted Christian and a dedicated, lifelong member of her church, Rosedale United Church of Christ.  She served as a Deacon, secretary of the Women’s Guild, a Sunday School teacher for 60 years, and a member of the handbell choir; she ensured that her sons, and eventually her grandchildren, were always involved in church life.

The joy of Betsy’s life was being a grandmother to her five grandchildren: Meryn Schneiderhan (Eric), Lauren Berry (Matthew), James, Vaughn, and Graham. She loved them fiercely, was intentional about spending time with them, and adored her four great-grandchildren Jonah, Clara, and Jude Schneiderhan and Evangeline "Evie" Berry.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 10th, at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.  A viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m.  Burial will follow at Berks County Memorial Gardens, Maidencreek Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Rosedale U.C.C., 1301 E. Bellevue Avenue, Laureldale, PA 19605.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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