Betty O'Hare

Betty A. Puncochar - O’Hare, 94 of Grand Island left this world for heavenly life on May 2, 2020 at Tiffany Square of natural causes. A memorial service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial was previously held at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Cathedral, Grand Island Central Catholic, Tabitha Care, or a written note to a special person telling them thanks for touching your life. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.



Betty was born September 5, 1925 in Ord, Nebraska to Jerry and Amelia (Gnaster) Puncochar.

Betty grew up in the Spalding and Ord area. The Puncochar family had a special place for music in their hearts. Through the windows and doors of their home on many days you could hear a piano and three violins creating music for people to enjoy. She attended Spalding Academy for two years and finished her education at Ord High School. She graduated in 1943. During her senior year in high school Betty attended school half a day and worked in an abstract office half-a-day. Following graduation, she moved to Loup City and worked for an abstract company. She then moved to Grand Island and worked as an abstract secretary for the Federal Land Bank.



She was united in marriage to Joseph S. O’Hare on October 11, 1954 in Ord. The couple lived in the Central City area, where her husband farmed and raised cattle before retiring in 1986. While in Central City Betty was the Red Cross Bloodmobile organizer for 18 years. She also served on the election board and St. Michael’s Parish Council. During the time on the farm Betty spent a great deal of time in the kitchen preparing food for the hired hands and any neighbors that may stop by for conversation. They moved to Grand Island in 1987.



Betty was “Grandma Betty” at Wasmer Elementary in Kindergarten from 2007-2014. She enjoyed working with these young learners. She was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Altar Society. Betty was a member of the St. Mary’s quilters for 36 years. She loved music, traveling, cooking/baking and especially time with family and friends. You could find Betty and Joe dancing at the Liederkranz.



Survivors of the immediate family include her daughter and son-in-law Jane E. and Mark Gloor of Grand Island, a sister Darlene Fagan of Grand Island, two sisters-in-law: Theresa Sis of Lincoln, NE and Grace O’Hare of Sioux City, IA. nieces and nephews; and Betty’s secondary family The Gloor Family.



She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother Edward, and sister Viola Stanley.