Obituary of Elizabeth T. Channell

Elizabeth (Betty) T. Channell, age 97, formerly of Warminster, PA passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Powell S. Channell with whom she shared over 55 years of marriage.

Born on October 26, 1926, in Philadelphia, PA, Betty was the daughter of the late Edward A. and Gertrude J. (Gallagher) Sweeney.

Betty graduated from Little Flower High School in Philadelphia. After marrying Powell (the “boy next door”) she moved to Mayfair where she raised her family. After raising her family, she worked as an Office Manager for Morris J. Cohen & Company in Philadelphia for many years. She was a devout Catholic and member of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish, in Warminster.

Growing up, Betty loved to spend time at the Atlantic City Beach with her siblings. She continued her love for the beach in Ocean Gate, spending many weekends and vacations there as she watched her family enjoy the simple pleasures it offered like fishing, crabbing, and boating. Many a summer night you could hear her laughter as she and Powell challenged his parents to a game of cards on the front porch.

Betty also loved to sew and made many dresses for her girls as well as for their dolls. Since she had many opportunities to accompany her husband on his business trips, her children had fond memories of her modeling the gowns and purses she made in anticipation of the different events.

When Betty moved to Avalon in the early 80s, it wasn’t long before she had a revolving door there with visits from friends and family due to her uncanny gift of hospitality.

Betty can fondly be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and love for many others which showed in her personal notes and cards, never missing a birthday or anniversary. It didn’t take much for her to hear that a single parent or someone down on their luck needed something and she was out there shopping to find clothes for them or their children.

Betty grew old gracefully, relishing her independence up until the age of 92 when she stopped driving. However, she always managed to stay young at heart and never missed a chance to dance the Jitterbug at someone’s wedding, fondly remembering her days at the USO with her sister Jean.

Betty is survived by her son, James R. Channell, husband of Carolyn E. (Poole) of Harleysville; daughter, Mary E. Varner wife of the late David J. of Coopersburg; daughter, Susan M. Channell of Philadelphia; son, Richard J. Channell, husband of Victoria L. (Smitley) of Downingtown and her grandchildren - Brian Urbonas (Sierra), Jonathan Channell (Kate), Andrew Channell, Dylan Channell (Katie), and Delaney Channell; and last but not least, her great-grandson, Jesse Channell whom she was overjoyed to have in her life this past year

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her siblings, Edward J. Sweeney, John J. Sweeney, Madeleine M. Kaczmar, Regina C. Heck, and Patricia A. Owston.

A Christian service will be celebrated on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Ann’s Choice Chapel, 10000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA. Family and friends may pay their respects starting at 10:30 AM followed by the service at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private for the family before the service at Saint John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to the Scholarship Fund at Ann’s Choice which you may access through the following link:

https://secure2.convio.net/elm/site/Donation2?df_id=1624&mfc_pref=T&1624.donation=form1

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at:

https://plunkettfuneralhome.com/tribute/all-services/index.html