Betty M Fowler's Obituary
Betty M. Fowler, 98, of Hudson, Florida, went home to the Lord peacefully on June 27, 2025. She was born in Tampa, Florida on May 19, 1927, to Archibald MacIntyre and Lyda Mae West.
She grew up in Tampa and moved to the Washington, D.C. area where she met her husband, Thomas John Fowler, Jr., of 73 years.
Betty dedicated herself to her family and community. Having grown up during the Depression era with limited resources, she became a talented seamstress who made sure everything was a perfect fit. She would frequently work late into the evenings sewing for her children and others, making Halloween costumes, and creating Barbie and baby dolls clothes so that the dolls had a change of clothing.
She was a phenomenal cook and baker creating impressive meals and desserts. In the Mainland’s retirement development in Pinellas Park, Florida where she and Tom retired in 1987 from Burtonsville, Maryland, she became famous for her potato salad and pies. She would make the best lemon meringue pie from Tom’s lemon tree, not to mention her chocolate meringue pie! Known for her hospitality, she graciously made everyone feel welcome with her smiles and made sure everyone had enough food.
Favorite memories of Mom will be with us forever. Bonnie remembers that whenever she talked to her mom, she would always ask about her family. Barbara remembers the finished dresses in her room when she woke up, especially the square dance skirt and bonnet she made when she was in fourth grade. Terry’s favorite memory is Betty’s love and caring way of sewing to make certain the fit was perfect. Terry recalls the baby doll and Barbie clothes she made. Linda remembers the way Betty would love for her to style her hair and apply make-up. She remembers her mom saying that this pampering made her feel beautiful. Tom’s memory is her love, her dedication to her family, her talents and her generosity. Tom remembers that she insisted on giving his childhood friends food, whether they wanted it or not whenever they visited.
Although Betty’s family was her career, she was employed by JC Penney’s in Rockville, Maryland, Vitro in Aspen Hill, Maryland, and the IRS in Wheaton, Maryland. Upon relocation to Florida, she transferred to IRS in Tampa.
Her legacy will continue forever. Her love taught her children that love is not always perfect. Her generosity, love and caring, and beautiful smile will live forever in our hearts.
Betty was the last survivor of her family’s generation. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Fowler, Jr.; fifth daughter, Cynthia Fowler; youngest son, William Fowler; and son-in-law, Frank Hoover. She is survived and deeply missed by her children, Bonnie Michael (Butch) of Land O’ Lakes, FL; Barbara Kassler (George) of Caswell Beach, NC; Terry Hoover of Trinity, FL; Linda Moore (Larry) of Lakeland, FL; and Thomas Fowler, III (Anita) of Clearwater, FL. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren who adored her. The great grandchildren affectionately referred to her as “Big Mama,” a family tradition.
Graveside services for her and her husband Thomas are to take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
In memory of Betty, donations can be sent to the Humane Society of Pinellas, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
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