Betty Anne Bach is best known to all as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and extraordinary friend. She put family first in all things, and her large circle of extended family and friends cherished her.
Originally from Mountainside, New Jersey, Betty Anne traveled extensively for education and enjoyment, attending Heidelberg University, Translator Institute, and graduated from the University of Chicago in Political Science. An accomplished tennis player and sailor, she loved the water, especially her Severn River near Annapolis, MD. She was a talented artist and painted portraits of her cherished grandchildren and of vibrant landscapes.
Betty Anne had an infectious wit and keen sense of humor which amused others and made them comfortable. Family clamored to sit next to her at holiday dinners, as the best stories were told and retold with laughter to new generations. She and her husband of 56 years, Ingvard "Ed" Bach, travelled considerably and together they spoke many languages, melding history and adventure seamlessly. Through every pastime, she always listened intently to others and made them feel heard and valued.
Betty Anne was a natural entrepreneur. She and Ed owned and operated a dry cleaning and retail business with additional investments in commercial real estate. She was well liked and respected by employees; their go-to person for wise counsel in personal, spiritual, and professional matters. Over the years, she found quiet, meaningful ways to support friends in need, and faithfully honored their privacy and trust.
Betty Anne was a dedicated member of Wood's Memorial Presbyterian Church, and served as Deacon, Small Group Leader, and ChristCare Leader. She loved to participate in Bible Study Fellowship and served with devotion in local ministries throughout Anne Arundel County. Her life centered on a strong Christian faith, and easily shared the Hope within her, and lived the Greater Love of Jesus with family, friends and those God placed in her midst.
Ingvard “Ed” and Betty Anne have two daughters that meant the world to them. Annual family vacations and every significant life event meant a warm gathering. Susan Moneymaker (Bill) gave her two granddaughters, Carol Anne and Lauren; they reside in Greenwood, Delaware. Krista Sweeney (Don) shared three grandchildren: Gracie, Hannah and Luke; they reside in Severna Park. Because of Meme’s influence, the five grandchildren are close cousins and like their Meme, prioritize family and faith. Betty Anne’s wisdom, joy, laughter, and tender spirit lives on in her legacy.
Betty Anne was preceded in death by her son Erik; parents, Gus and Katie Saam; sister, Ruth and her husband Ralph Bluntschli. She is survived by a treasured gaggle of grandchildren, cousins and nieces: Carol Anne, Gracie, Lauren, Hannah and Luke, Linda, Laura, Ron, Steve, and Anne, Elisabeth, Max, Alex, Korrine, Jamie, Zach and Eric, Cordelia, Daphne and Reeve.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 26th, 2021, 12 noon at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park, Maryland, 21146. The service will be livestreamed on https://www.youtube.com/woodsmemorialpresbyterianchurch/live . After the service, the family invites you for light refreshments at the church. If you feel inclined, donations in her honor could be made to her home church of Woods Memorial or Bible Study Fellowship https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/. Bible Study Fellowship, Global Headquarters, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258-4019. Betty Anne’s ashes will be laid to rest at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
She will be deeply missed, and we are grateful for her time in our lives.