Betty Miller Galardi

Aiken- Betty Galardi, widow of Frank T. Galardi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the age of 93. Born as Betty Esther Miller in Cabarrus County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Guy Campbell Miller and Amanda Krimminger Miller of Concord, NC. She was an active and long time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken. Betty was a retired public school teacher and homemaker. She attended Mt. Pleasant High School in NC, was a graduate of Pfeiffer and Lenoir Rhyne Colleges. She also attended Columbia College in the late 60’s to become one of the first teachers certified in SC to teach “special education” on a high school level. She worked in schools in Cabarrus County, NC and Scarsdale, NY before moving to Aiken with her loving husband, Frank, in 1951. She retired from teaching in 1978, having taught at Leavelle McCampbell High, Aiken Jr. High, and, her last position as a “special ed” teacher, at Freedman Vocational School in Graniteville. Betty made friends wherever she went. She was affectionately called “Nonna” by her family and by many friends whom she seemed to adopt with her kindness and loving gifts of friendship. She was very active even after reaching her nineties. She befriended many with her special culinary treats like pizzelles (Italian pastries) or one of her other favorite recipes. She grew up on a farm in NC and also spent time with Frank’s family in New York, which gave her the ability to prepare a wide range of foods from country cookin’ to Italian feasts. She and husband, Frank, were like newlyweds for their 39 years together. He adored her, always calling her his “bride.” When he passed away in 1983, Betty in her own special style, set a Christian example for all around her as she accepted God’s plan in stride. A few months later, she officially became Nonna (grandma) with the birth of the first grandchild, and has treasured many wonderful years with her family she cherished and loved so much. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were her pride and joy. Even at the age of 93, she lived independently until her recent illness. She was a beautiful lady who demonstrated grace, kindness, and Christian love to everyone she met. One of her favorite verses from Joshua told a story about her life and actions: “Choose you this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Survivors include two sons, a daughter, and her beloved daughters-in-law and her favorite son-in-law; Tom and Pam Galardi; Bill and Jerrie Galardi; and Eda and John Morelli; and four grandchildren; Frank T. Galardi, Frank L. Morelli, Amanda T. Morelli and Christina M. Galardi. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Louise Miller; nieces and nephews; her Chinese godson, Bob Chang, and his family; and two “adopted” grandchildren, Megan and Little Bill Weeks. She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband, Frank; her brother, Ned Miller; and her sister, Eva Readling. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Sept. 1 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert T. Byrne officiating. Interment will follow at Aiken Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Paul Lutheran Church, (961 Trail Ridge Road Aiken, SC 29803); Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church (1000 B Ave, West Columbia, SC 29169); or the SC Autism Society (806 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169). Pallbearers are Mr. Chuck Jordan, Mr. Bill Weeks, Mr. Larry Oswald, Mr. Don Chappel, Dr. Bill Blosser, and Mr. Mark Thornsberry. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 31, from 6 to 8 at SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC. Please sign her online guest book at shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Miller Galardi, please visit our flower store.