Betty-Jane Burkhardt , 88, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away at Cape Cod Hospital on January 23, 2023 after a brief illness. It will come as no surprise to those who knew Betty-Jane that she drafted her own obituary, which follows.
 
Betty-Jane, or BJ, to many, was born to Doris W. Burkhardt and Edmund J. Burkhardt and grew up in Shrewsbury, MA.  She attended Beal High School. Upon graduation she was hired as a statistical clerk by Pan American Airways in New York City.  She completed many courses in business and airline business and management.  During her 19 years at Pan Am, she rose to become a Manager of Training Administration.  She took full advantage of travel privileges and explored England, France, Italy, Russia, American Samoa, Australia, Portugal,, Spain, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Africa, Hawaii, Thailand, Brazil, India and numerous Caribbean islands sometimes many times.  BJ loved photography and filled many albums with photos of her travels and of her friends and family.  She has many framed photos of her travels in her home. 
 
Following her time at Pan Am, BJ left New York City and returned to Massachusetts living on Cape Cod, initially in Hyannis, then in South Yarmouth.  She was hired at Cape Cod Community College where she worked for 28 years as Staff Associate to the President.  At the time of her retirement, she was voted an Administrator Emerita.  In her retirement she initiated a CCCC retiree newsletter which she was still actively generating at the time of her death.  Beginning in 1987, she served the town of Yarmouth in several volunteer capacities including the Finance Committee, Precinct Warden and Personnel Board. She was still active on the Personnel Board and serving as Chair.
 
BJ leaves her niece, Kathleen H. Coulombe, Kathleen’s husband Thomas and their three children Kathleen (Kaydee) Clark, Amanda Coulombe and Brian Coulombe and Brian’s three children Taima Jay, Lily and Ethan. She was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy L. Horgan and her niece, Betty-Jane Horgan. 
 
Betty-Jane loved animals and particularly adored her West Highland Terriers.  Piper, her last, predeceased her only 3 weeks ago.  BJ requested that donations be made in her memory to the Yarmouth Police Department Canine Donation Account.
 
A memorial service will be held at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. 02664 on February 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be private at the request of family.
 
 

I was so fortunate to have BJ as a good friend for over 23 years. Lunches at Sesuit Harbor, outings picking Granite for her kitchen, and always wonderful conversations. We even went to the airport together to welcome her beautiful Piper. She was a true friend, and I will miss her so very much.

A seemingly endless knowledge of all things related to Cape Cod Community College will be lost with BJ's passing. She was a treasure, always loyal to the College and dedicated to abiding by the requirements of the law and higher education policy, and with her knowledge, she kept more than a few presidents and senior officials from misstepping in ways that could hurt the College (or them!). She dd the same thing for the Town of Yarmouth, a model citizen who didn't just gripe but rolled up her sleeves to get things done. BJ's love for her doggies was boundless too, and her creation and management of the retiree newsletter was a gift to all of us who had put CCCC in our rear-view mirror. Packing up the end of an era, she will be missed.

Betty was my cousin, but so much more. Only 9 years my senior, when we reached adulthood she became more like a big sister to me (an only child). She was always there when my life presented problems, with good advice, nice chats,etc. I think she knew how much I appreciated all her support. Our mutual love of our pets also kept us in an extremely close relationship. Rest in Peace Betty. I hope all your pets that have crossed over the rainbow bridge were there with tails wagging to greet you.

A very dear and longtime friend. All of the breakfast crew at Piccadilly Deli will surely miss you and may you have eternal rest in peace our Friend.

So sorry to hear of BJ's passing. In my time working with her at Cape Cod Community College, I came to know her as a person who could get things done! She was dedicated to the college, and knew how to tackle any issue that arose. When she retired, I remember wondering how we would all get by without her! My condolences to her friends and family. Patricia Allen

I worked with B.J. at Cape Cod Community College for many years. As one of the colleges first computer techs, she always kept me busy! She took her work very seriously, and I don't think there was anyone in the world that knew Word Perfect (computer program) better than she did. She was always kind and had a smile for me, and always participated and lead in many of the colleges'events. She will be missed.

How could this be?! BJ has always been there, guarding the presidents, fielding questions knowledgeable, and lately, keeping us all in touch. What a gift she has been to all who knew her. ❤️