Obituary for Elizabeth Podolak (Turner)
Elizabeth (Turner) Podolak, 83, of Newington, beloved wife of the late Henry R. Podolak, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 23 surrounded by her loving family. “Miss Betty-Jane” or “Betty” was born on June 17, 1939, in Hartford, CT to the late John and Isabelle (Vicino) Turner. A life-long resident of Wethersfield and graduate of Wethersfield High School, she pursued her passion in dance. For 52 years, she was the well-respected Founder and Director of The Betty-Jane Turner School of Dance in Manchester until her retirement in 2006. Although her career started in Wethersfield, over 42 years were in Manchester.
Throughout her professional career, she grew a large “dance family.” Her kindness, generosity and genuine interest in others was unwavering whether in the studio, community or with family. Her students performed at many hospitals, nursing homes and benefits over the years, as well as individually demonstrating talents in community theaters and on national tours. There were summers when she would also take students into NYC for dance conventions. The studio also participated for many years in the Holiday Toy Drive. In 2003, The Turner School of Dance was honored to receive the “Hall of Fame Award” by the Manchester Arts Commission in recognition of dedication and service to the Art of Dance. Miss Betty-Jane was the Past President of the Dance Teachers Club of Connecticut, a member of Dance Masters of America and of the Dance Educators of America. She mentored many, never realizing how many lives she touched. Her annual recitals were exceptional productions from tickets and programming to lighting, backdrops, music, and choreography.
Betty-Jane married Henry (Hank) in 1962 and they lived in Wethersfield until 2017. She leaves behind her only daughter, Laura, and husband David Falt, who she loved as her own, and two grandsons, Matthew and Timothy, who were her world. She was predeceased by her only sister, Diane Turner, who she will reunite with in heaven after 64 years of missing her dearly. May she Rest in Peace with her husband who she has missed so much- let the music play and tapping resume.
Most important to her was the time she cherished with her family and friends. She loved excursions with her grandchildren to see all the historical and famous sites from Boston to DC as well as trips to ballparks including seeing her beloved NY Yankees. She didn’t miss any opportunity to share her passion of theater and Broadway with her family and grandchildren. Grandma Betty was always present at any school or community event and one of their biggest cheerleaders! Our family is blessed to have so many memories to look back on including wonderful Christmas Eve traditions. She enjoyed hosting any holiday and gave out the best Halloween candy in the neighborhood.
Although the curtain has closed on Betty’s chapter here on earth, she would say thanks for the memories, and wherever the road takes you, don’t forget your dancing shoes!
The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Health & Rehabilitation for their care and compassion over the past two months.
The funeral will be held Monday August 29, 2022 at 9:15AM from the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Elizabeth Seton Church of St. Josephine Bahkita Parish, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be in Village Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 Sunday, August 28. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s honor can be made to the to the Wethersfield High School Band Boosters (in memory of Henry Podolak), 411 Wolcott Hill Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or to your charity of choice. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.
Throughout her professional career, she grew a large “dance family.” Her kindness, generosity and genuine interest in others was unwavering whether in the studio, community or with family. Her students performed at many hospitals, nursing homes and benefits over the years, as well as individually demonstrating talents in community theaters and on national tours. There were summers when she would also take students into NYC for dance conventions. The studio also participated for many years in the Holiday Toy Drive. In 2003, The Turner School of Dance was honored to receive the “Hall of Fame Award” by the Manchester Arts Commission in recognition of dedication and service to the Art of Dance. Miss Betty-Jane was the Past President of the Dance Teachers Club of Connecticut, a member of Dance Masters of America and of the Dance Educators of America. She mentored many, never realizing how many lives she touched. Her annual recitals were exceptional productions from tickets and programming to lighting, backdrops, music, and choreography.
Betty-Jane married Henry (Hank) in 1962 and they lived in Wethersfield until 2017. She leaves behind her only daughter, Laura, and husband David Falt, who she loved as her own, and two grandsons, Matthew and Timothy, who were her world. She was predeceased by her only sister, Diane Turner, who she will reunite with in heaven after 64 years of missing her dearly. May she Rest in Peace with her husband who she has missed so much- let the music play and tapping resume.
Most important to her was the time she cherished with her family and friends. She loved excursions with her grandchildren to see all the historical and famous sites from Boston to DC as well as trips to ballparks including seeing her beloved NY Yankees. She didn’t miss any opportunity to share her passion of theater and Broadway with her family and grandchildren. Grandma Betty was always present at any school or community event and one of their biggest cheerleaders! Our family is blessed to have so many memories to look back on including wonderful Christmas Eve traditions. She enjoyed hosting any holiday and gave out the best Halloween candy in the neighborhood.
Although the curtain has closed on Betty’s chapter here on earth, she would say thanks for the memories, and wherever the road takes you, don’t forget your dancing shoes!
The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Health & Rehabilitation for their care and compassion over the past two months.
The funeral will be held Monday August 29, 2022 at 9:15AM from the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Elizabeth Seton Church of St. Josephine Bahkita Parish, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be in Village Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 Sunday, August 28. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s honor can be made to the to the Wethersfield High School Band Boosters (in memory of Henry Podolak), 411 Wolcott Hill Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or to your charity of choice. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.