Betty Lou Mollica

Betty Lou was born in Philipsburg PA January 3, 1932 to Robert and Eleanor (Wagner) Newcombe. She was raised on the family farm in Houtzdale, PA prior to moving to Windber with her aunt to attend Windber High School graduating with the Class of 1949.

Betty Lou was always a caring empathetic woman and it was her childhood goal to become a nurse. She met her goal graduating in 1952 from Philipsburg State General Hospital School of Nursing as the class valedictorian. She then began her career as a Registered Nurse at Philipsburg Hospital before accepting a position at Mt. Sinai Hospital of Cleveland specializing in Pediatrics. Betty Lou furthered her education at Case Western Reserve and Indiana University of Pennsylvania earning enough credits for a Master’s Degree.

She returned to Pennsylvania to care for family members. Betty Lou was hungry for a good spaghetti dinner so her childhood and lifelong friend “ Martie” O’Dell Roos took her to Phil’s Bar and Grill. It was then an off the menu item caught her eye. Betty Lou married Philip James Mollica November 3, 1956.

Betty Lou was a beautiful witty woman with a huge heart. Her smile and laugh were contagious. She gave up her career so she could nurture and guide her four children along the path to adulthood. Family was first in her life and she exemplified all that a mother should be. Educator, disciplinarian, friend, avid reader, crossword expert, hunting partner, marksmen, chef, seamstress and bargain consumer were all within her purview. Betty Lou was especially proud of the eight Eagle Scouts in the family which include her three sons as well as five grandsons. She also enjoyed countless outings clothes shopping with her daughter Lisa at Brody’s and other shops.

Betty Lou was the last member of her generation having been preceded in death by her parents and husband. She was a devout member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Clearfield.

Betty Lou is survived by her four children; Carl Mollica of Huntingdon, Robert Mollica of Frenchville, Philip Mollica II and wife Tanya of Roanoke, VA and Lisa Marie Johnson and husband Randy of Clearfield; six grandchildren Jordan Reinke, Cody Mollica, Philip J Mollica III, Hunter Mollica, Kyle Mollica and Noah Johnson; a half sister Crissy Newcombe-Powell of Houtzdale and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring Betty Lou’s request there will be no public visitation. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Betty Lou suggests memorial contributions be made to your local library or a charity of your choice.

The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.

To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com