Elizabeth D. Harmes, fondly known as "Betty", 78, passed away January 7, 2012 at JFK Hospital/Hospice after suffering from a stroke on December 30, 2011. She was born June 5, 1933 in Barker, NY and has called Florida her home for over 50 years. All who were fortunate to know her loved "Betty".
Mrs. Harmes graduated as an RN from Rochester General Hospital in 1954 and married Harold M. Harmes in 1955. In addition to being a wife, mother and grandmother, she practiced nursing throughout most of her life. Her most fond memories were at Palm Beach Junior College (now known at PB State College) where she taught nursing students in the lab. After years of service with PBJC, Mrs. Harmes was recruited to join Medicana as a Director of Nursing. She was coveted as being one of the best Directors of Nursing in Palm Beach County and sought after by many Nursing Home administrators. Mrs. Harmes accepted the challenge of taking poorly rated nursing homes and bringing them to top rated institutions within months of being the Director of Nurses. She finished her professional career as a Nurse with the State Of Florida evaluating nursing facilities. There was no job she loved more than being a Wife to Harold. M. Harmes "Harry", her beloved husband who died July 1, 2000. Her loyalty and love never waned even during the most difficult times. She has missed him for the past 11 years and she has joined him. She will be missed and as Harry said, "This world has been a better place because of Betty and we will feel the void when she departs". The void has begun and she has resumed her journey with her beloved Harry. She will be buried at his side in the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Fl.
She is survived by her children Elizabeth A. Harmes, H. Bruce Harmes, Gregory N. Harmes (Suzanne), Carole Harmes Kay and her Grandchildren, Emerald Harmes Bradford who is expecting her first child (David), Sarah Harmes, Alexandra Hernandez, Ramona Harmes, Eric Harmes, Stanley M. Kay and a Great Grandson Karter Hernandez-Walton; her brother Robert Dibble and sister Ruth Craugh, and her best friend and sister in law, Carole Webster, sister by heart.
The family will receive guests from 12:00 - 1:00 PM Saturday, January 14th at
Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33449,
where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Palm Beach State College Foundation/College of Nursing in memory of
Elizabeth "Betty" Harmes, 4200 Congress Ave., MS 20, Lake Worth, FL 33461