Betty E. Feder

betty e. feder

Betty E. Feder age 92 of Fargo, North Dakota, died peacefully November 18, 2012. She lived life to the fullest with a can-do attitude, as a mentor to many and a trusted friend to all. Betty treasured family and friends above all else and will always be remembered for opening her home to all, her heartfelt ways, her aptitude for bridge and of course her endless baking!

 Betty was a tireless volunteer and community leader all of her life serving on many boards and committees. She was on the board and executive committee of the Union of Reform Judaism for more than a decade, president of various PTAs, president of the Arthritis Foundation and went on to be the first woman and first non-physician to serve on the national board. She was president of the Minnesota State University-Moorhead Foundation, served on the board of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, was vice chairman of the Mayor’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, Chairman of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation, one of the Founders of the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, board member of the Campfire Girls, president of Drama Section of the Fine Arts Club, she was very active in the local chapter of the American Field Service that brought foreign students to the community, and delivery volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She was certified by the Library of Congress to record for the blind and of all the work that Betty did, the work that was dearest to her heart was recording all of the text books for the blind children in North Dakota’s public schools. The end goal to Betty’s commitment to community service was to leave the world a little bit better for having lived in it. Betty was recognized as Woman of the Year by YWCA for her work in the community.

Betty was born in Fargo, attended public schools in Fargo and received her college degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she graduated from the School of Speech and Theatre. She and husband Paul moved back to Fargo not long after they married and raised their family in the Fargo community.

Betty’s husband Paul died in 1991 and son Robert died in 1997. She is survived by her loving children, Barbara and Gary Hanovich, Jerome and Leslie Feder, Daniel and Hillary Feder, Jan Feder; admiring grandchildren, Steven Hanovich and Melissa Mark, Anne and Bruce Schwartz, Lisa Becker, Jason Feder, Joel and Karen Feder, and Hannah Feder; cherished great-grandchildren Paul and Josh Schwartz and Shira Hanovich.

Contributions, in Betty’s memory, may be made to the Beth El Memorial Park, Sanford Health Foundation Fargo Region and Hospice Red River Valley.

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  1. Parker COI am so sorry to learn of the loss of Betty. I valued her friendship from the time I met her in 1999 . My best to the family.
    Joseph and Gale Chapman

  2. To the entire family,
    It was our privilege to know Betty. She was a remarkable woman who was so passionate about so many wonderful things.
    We stayed at her lovely home when she brought me out to perform at the U of M at Morehead. She was a gracious hostess and we spent much time talking about her family. She was so proud of everyone.
    We are saddened by her passing but greatly enriched for having known her.
    We send our deepest condolences to the family on the passing of a wonderful woman.

  3. Cocoa Beach FloridaBetty “Our Loving Seabourn Sailing Mom”
    God saw you getting tired,
    The cure was not to be
    He wrapped you in His loving Arms,
    And whispered “Come to Me”
    You suffered much in silence,
    Your spirit did not bend
    You faced your pain with courage,
    Until the very end
    You tried so hard to stay with us
    Your fight was not in vain
    God took you to His loving Home
    And freed you from your pain
    A golden heart stopped beating,
    Two working hands at rest
    God broke our hearts to prove to us,
    HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST

    You will be missed but never forgotten!’
    love David E.

  4. Fargo ND
    Betty,
    You were an inspiration to those that knew you!
    I’m sure you are looking over us all . Prayers to the family in this time of need. A true pioneer in this city. You will be missed.

  5. Wilsonville Oregon Betty, you were always so good to me and even as a little girl you took care of me. You made me walk when I didn’t want to try again after I was sick. I love you so much dear sister.

    You will be missed more than you know.

  6. Fargo ND
    Jon and I and our children and their spouses so enjoyed our times spent with Betty at Jocie Burdick’s. Her holiday trays of treats were the best. She was so kind to all of us. Betty will be missed by our family. Jon and Pam Johnson.

  7. Mount Dora Florida Betty has been my beloved friend for more than half a century. Soon after I became president of Moorhead State College (as it was then named), my family and I were befriended and frequently hosted by Betty and Paul and by her parents, the Max Goldberg family. Equally soon Betty became a treasured friend, loyal supporter of the college, and active participant in college activities, as well a generous contributor to the university foundation.

    It is indeed impressive to realize how many other associations, organizations, foundations, and individuals knew her as a caring honored, and truly outstanding citizen of the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond.

    We spent many happy times together, and whenever, in recent years, my wife Sally and I were visiting the State University, Betty insisted that we stay at her beautiful home. Betty and Sally had much in common and became close friends. She often and proudly talked to us about her family, which she so dearly loved, To all of them we send our heartfelt condolences. We shall all miss the lively, compassionate, and lovable Betty Feder.

    John and Sally Neumaier

  8. Plymouth MN
    Betty was a shining example of how love, passion and commitment to the community could enrich lives and spirits. I loved her like a mother and will miss her deeply. Live on, Betty!

  9. Mrs. Feder was such an important and inspirational part of my life. She taught me many things in the time I was with her that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have such fond memories of the times we would bake together, prepare for dinner parties, shop, travel to the lake and just chat. If I stop to think of it all it hurts my heart as I so miss that time with her. She was like a mother to me. I feel so blessed that I was able to be part of her wonderful life.

  10. Wellesley MAAunt Betty was a force of nature and lived life to its fullest. Her love of family knew no bounds, and visits with her, both growing up and more recently, were always cherished moments with memories that will last a lifetime. She welcomed Lorri into the family with gusto, always wanted to know about everyone’s lives, and passed down to our kids family stories and recipes that they have adopted as their own. Despite the distance, she had a profound effect on us all, and will be missed so very much. Aunt Betty, we love you so very much. And Jerry, Leslie, Jan, Barbara, Gary, Dan and Hillary, our thoughts and prayers are with you and we wish we were there to hug you, share stories, and most of all, just celebrate your mom. Much love, Lorri and Marc

  11. Medfield MAWe were so sorry to hear of Aunt Betty’s passing. Betty was a loving and generous person whose warmth and exuberence was felt all the way to us here in MA. She was truly “one-of-a-kind” . Betty will be greatly missed and always remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May the wonderful memeories of her as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother give you some peace. Her’s was a life well-lived and really, you can’t ask for more than that.
    With loving hugs from our family to yours,
    Jennifer, Bill, Michelle, Nicole, & Gabrielle Jaques

  12. Ravensdale WADear Betty!

    You have been such a good friend to Don and myself for many years. Our chance meeting in Morocco delighted both us and my sister, Sandy, and ensured many fun times in Fargo and at Pelican Lake, thereafter. We shall miss you sorely.

    With love,
    Suzanne

  13. Fargo Dear family and friends of Betty: For many years Betty has been part of the fabric of Fargo/Moorhead. We are blessed to have known her. Many have seen firsthand the good works she has done for our community, she will be missed. Although our families might not have always been close, please accept our deepest sympathies. May you find God’s peace during this difficult time of transition.
    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”
    Connie Graber and Family.

  14. Fargo ND
    Mrs. Feder was a remarkable woman who had a positive impact on the FM community. I’m sorry for your loss.

    -Vic Youngs and Family

  15. Deerfield Beach FLWe were so sorry to hear of your mom, Betty, passing. It sounds like she was a wonderful, giving, and caring lady! I see where Dan got his good looks! You have our heartfelt sympathy. We know all too well how difficult this time, and the future, will be without your mom! Hugs.

  16. Fargo ND
    Betty is an important person in my life. I had the privilege of knowing her for a very long time and I will cherish my memories of her.
    She cared deeply about what mattered and she worked tirelessly to make things better. She was a wonderful role model for service.
    Her kindness and thoughtfulness touched my life– and others’ lives– many times in many ways. Some people are destined to make a difference by virtue of the example they set– that will always be Betty to me.
    Peace be with her and with her family.

    With love and admiration,
    Doug Hamilton

  17. Foster City CaliforniaDear Family,

    Betty was a lovely woman who welcomed me and my family to Temple Beth El. We were lucky to have know her and her wonderful family.

  18. Page, ND
    Rest in Peace, Mama Feder!
    You have given to us all, the
    greatest thing anyone could.
    A generation of beautiful,outstanding
    and remarkable, future Feder’s.
    We will be forever blessed by who
    you were and what you so
    unselfishly gave to to us all.

  19. Dent MnFeder family. Doug and I send you sincere sympathy. Living across the street from Betty for years we liked and admired her.
    She was one of a kind!
    Doug and Judy

  20. Romeoville ILI was so saddened to hear of Betty’s death. She was a bright and compassionate woman. Bob was such a good friend of mine and when I encountered Betty we would talk of all our fond memories and how proud she was of him and of all her children.
    The Fargo Community has surely lost a wonderful woman. My sincerest condolences to all of the Feders

    Mary Tallman

  21. Cambridge MA.Dearest Betty,
    I am so sorry to miss being at your Funeral.You were a loving sister who always was there for everybody especially me.

    Thelma ,the whole family and I will miss you so much but our memories will always be there to remind us of the good times we all had together.

    I know you are at peace and with those who have loved you your whole life.

    I will remember you always and in all ways. Love Ray


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