Betty Hand

Betty Jean Hand (Age 86)

Betty Hand of Lanham, MD, and Matriarch of the Hand Family passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018.

Beloved wife of 48 years to Ronald L. Hand.

Betty was born in Alexandria, VA, and was the daughter of the late Sallie T Clayton and Earl S. Posey. Following the death of her mother when she was five, she was raised by Mr. Floyd Dalton. She spent her early life in Lorton and Mt. Jackson, VA.  She also lived and worked in Washington, DC as a meat wrapper and member of the meat packer union prior to settling in Lanham.

Betty loved working and serving the public. She had a great love for children and provided child care for her grandchildren and others in her home for years.

She was the loving mother of Jimmy Newland, wife Patsy Newland, and Susan Santos with her husband Mike Galbraith, and her three step-children, Lisa Hand, husband Serafin Avitia, Russell Hand, wife Cindy Hand, and Jerry Hand, with his fiancée Lyndie Willhite. Her 12 grandchildren were her world. She was the cherished Ma Ma of Dawn Kramp, Romeo Santos, Jaime Newland, Denise Pope, Robyn Dews, David Hand, Chris Hand, Melissa Austin, Tina Hand, Emily Hand, Josh Hand, and James Hand. Great-grandmother of 13.

Sister of Martin Posey, and the late, Earl Posey, Morgan Posey, Pat Posey, Mary Agnes Posey, and Joyce Posey. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Earl S. Posey, and Sallie T. Clayton, as well as her foster father, Floyd Dalton.

Betty was a wonderful cook who baked cakes and fudge for everyone that she knew. She was a caring neighbor and friend. Betty’s involvement with the Moose Lodge and Women of the Moose, College Park Lodge was an important driving force for her.  She held the work she did and the friends she made there close to her heart. She held many positions and offices there from Senior Regent to Star Recorder.  She also earned the Lifetime Achievement Award and International Co-Worker of the Year from Women of the Moose. In addition to her activities with the Moose, she was a member of the Eastern Star and the Berwyn Heights Senior Center.

Friends may call at Gasch’s Funeral Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD on Monday, May 28 from 6 to 9 PM, where a service will be offered at 7 PM.

In consideration of Betty’s dedication to the Moose Lodge, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hand’s memory to the Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539.