Elizabeth Irene (Pond) Tideman

Elizabeth (“Betty”) Tideman, 95, of Mechanicsburg, PA passed away peacefully Friday, November 7 at Lifeways Messiah Village.  Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1930, Betty’s family relocated to the tiny town of Twillingate, Newfoundland until Betty was age 5. She spent her growing-up years in the community of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. 

The first in her family to attend college, Betty obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Shelton College (NY) and pursued a career in nursing, graduating from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing as an RN in 1955.

Betty is survived by her three children, Linda (Hal) Griffiths, Ruth (Bill) Brungard of Mechanicsburg and David (Linnea) Tideman of Landenberg, PA; grandchildren Joel (Allison) Griffiths, Lisa (Chad) Schuyler, Lori (Alan) Elliott, Jamie (Jen) Griffiths, Joseph Griffiths, Kristen Tideman (Beau), Lauren Tideman, Sara Tideman and Ellen Brungard; and 11 great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Edgar (“Jack”) and Hazel Pond, with whom she is joyously reunited in heaven.

A woman of great faith, sacrifice and service, Betty served as a nurse and infirmary supervisor for several nursing homes, then spent 15 years as supervising nurse for a busy Obstetrics/Gynecology medical practice in Huntington, NY, all while raising her family. She counseled and taught classes for countless mothers-to-be and women in need of compassionate care.

Musically gifted, Betty was a church organist, pianist and singer for many years.  She had great knowledge of the old church hymns, songs and oratorios and could instantly join in harmony whenever she had the chance.  She was a faithful churchgoer, teacher, supporter of missions and mentor to many.  Betty was immensely proud and supportive of her three children and their families.   And while generally quiet and reserved by nature, she loved to laugh and had a sly sense of humor.

In her later years at Messiah Village, Betty was a friend to so many staff who appreciated her gentle and uncomplaining spirit, even as her health became more of a challenge.

Most importantly, Betty exemplified the “good and faithful servant” of Jesus Christ.  She was a woman of prayer, and her prayer list was long.  Her greatest desire would be for her family, and everyone she knew, to know God’s Word, follow Christ and experience His saving love and peace.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the caregivers at Messiah Village, past and present, who cared for Betty so selflessly over the years.  We can never fully express our gratitude for your sacrificial service.

All are invited to a gathering honoring Betty at 2 pm, Sunday, November 16 at Messiah Lifeways, 100 Mt. Allen Road, Mechanicsburg PA, at the Enrichment Center in Village Square.

Burial will be private.  

In Betty’s memory, gifts to the “Global Gospel Fund” of  ABWE.org would be appreciated.