Betty Nagle
September 21, 1923 – September 3, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Betty Nagle (née Irwin) announces her passing on September 3, 2024, at the age of 100 in Wilmington, Delaware. Born to George and Helen Irwin at their home in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 1923. Betty grew up in Richardson Park before eventually moving to Prime Hook Beach, later Dover, finally returning to her hometown Wilmington.
Betty graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1941 and went on to earn her degree from Goldey Beacom Business School in 1943. She began her career as an Administrator at Hercules, where she worked from 1943 to 1962. Later, she continued her career at Dickinson High School, helping to shape the community for many years.
Betty was a talented, mostly self taught artist who brought beauty into the world through her lifelike charcoal drawings and detailed furniture painting. She also had a deep love for gardening, finding joy and peace in nurturing the earth. A strong and independent woman, Betty raised five children—Jean Marie, Robert, Laurie, Cynthia, and Betsy—on her own, instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and love. She was a longtime volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels, also a lifelong animal lover, with a special place in her heart for all creatures.
She met the love of her life William “Bob” Nagle at a Parents Without Partners dance in 1975. After her first and only dance, she came home early in a huff and said she would never go back. Two weeks later, Bob called her and said that the moment he saw her, he knew she was the one. They were married a year later.
Betty was preceded in death by her second husband, Bob, her daughter Laurie Ableman, and her grandson Jason Archer. She is survived by her children Jean Marie Taylor, Robert Martin, Cynthia Martin, and Betsy Archer, along with eight beloved grandchildren, Heather Kruzienski, Kevin Corder, Scott Martin, Jeff Martin, Alex Burns, Benjamin Burns, Michael Archer and eight great grandchildren who will cherish her memory.
Private services will be held in honor of Betty’s life. Those wishing to inquire about arrangements may contact the family for further details. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Delaware SPCA can be made.
