Betsy Ann Kowalchek

Betsy Ann Kowalchek of Bel Air, Maryland, a retired Human Resources Manager, died on October 7, 2024 at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center from complications of endometrial cancer. She was 72. Betsy was the daughter of Charles Beasley, a Bethlehem Steel foreman, and Catherine Barrett Beasley, a homemaker. Betsy graduated from Dundalk High School in 1970 and Towson University in 1974. She earned a Masters in Human Resources from Notre Dame of Maryland in 1999. She started her career at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson. One of the most satisfying projects at GBMC was helping to establish La Petite Academy in 1989, a site-based daycare center for GBMC employees. As a Regional Human Resources Manager for Genesis Healthcare, she was responsible for personnel issues at 35 centers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Her knowledge of labor law, employee policies, and mediation allowed her to be an effective leader in resolving personnel issues. Being a people person, Betsy enjoyed meeting the residents at her centers and learning about their life experiences. She worked with John Raley, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, during contract negotiations with 1199SEIU, the union which represents center employees. Betsy met Paul D. Kowalchek in 1981 after a softball game. They married in 1983. Betsy was a loving stepmother to Paul’s daughters, Gennesee and Tanya. In 1986, Betsy gave birth to their daughter, Katherine “Katie.” Betsy became a single mother when Paul was killed in a work-related incident in 1987. As a single, working mother she was an involved and committed parent. She coached girls’ recreational soccer and was an active member of the Bel Air High School Bobcat Athletics Boosters. Betsy is survived by her daughter, Katie Mindel (Matt) of Ellicott City, granddaughters, Chloe, Brynn, and Laine. Her stepdaughters, Gennesee Foutain (Bobby), Tanya Hill (Terry), and step grandchildren, Bennett and Brix Fountain, and Hannah and Leighton Hill. Also surviving is her sister, Kathy Wing (Jon) of Bel Air, MD. A previous marriage to Peter “Wheat” Bulota ended in divorce, however they remained lifelong friends. Also surviving are members of the Kowalchek family. Her many friends will miss the positivity, energy, warmth, and fun she brought to all of her relationships. Betsy loved to travel, garden, walk, and play pickleball, but her family, especially her grandchildren brought her the most happiness and joy. A private interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens was held on October 14. At her request, a party will be held at a later date to celebrate her love for life, her family and friends. Contributions to Betsy’s memory may be made to Gilchrist (https://gilchristcares.org/donate/)

Betsy Ann Kowalchek

September 2, 1952 - October 7, 2024

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Betsy Ann Kowalchek

September 2, 1952 - October 7, 2024

About Us

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Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

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