Betty Jane Brilski

Poquoson- Betty Jane Brilski, 92, died peacefully on July 25, 2025, at home with her niece, Glenda Bernardin at her side. She was born on September 1, 1932, to Glen and Mary Anderson. Betty grew up on a farm, gaining a strong sense of order and discipline that would stand her in great stead throughout life. Betty graduated from Wellsburg High School in Wellsburg, West Virginia. Betty and her high school sweetheart Paul attended school together from ninth grade until his graduation. Paul joined the Air Force in 1952. They began their married life in September 1954 in Windsor Heights, West Virginia.

For the next eighteen years Betty supported her Air Force husband as he continued his military service with assignments in Texas; Illinois; a tour in Korea; Florida; Westover, Massachusetts; and Okinawa, Japan; completing his career at Langley Air Force Base as a Master Sergeant in 1972.

Settling in Poquoson, Paul and Betty established their household while he embarked on a second career in construction and Betty served as a secretary in the Air Command Headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. In 1994. Paul and Betty went into antiques, dealing in collectible glass, beginning with shows in Hampton and Virginia Beach, and eventually branching out to Richmond and Chantilly in Northern Virginia, until 2014 when Paul’s health kept him from working. They had been married 62 years when Paul died in 2016.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Paul, and niece Joyce Jackson. Betty leaves behind nieces Mary Minor, and Glenda Bernardin; and countless dear friends, especially Tom and Tracie Kaschak, and Brenda and Garry Messer.

Betty was a dedicated member of the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community where she and Paul cultivated many friendships. After Paul’s death, Betty remained at home. She kept up her active prayer life and thoroughly enjoyed weekly visits by Eucharistic ministers from Saint Kateri. She also continued being a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan, enjoyed reading, and doing crossword puzzles. Betty’s cheerful demeanor and strong faith were a beacon to all.

Betty’s family and close friends will receive visitors from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., Monday August 11, at St Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 3800 Big Bethel Road, in Tabb. Reverend Father Alexander Muddu will celebrate a Mass of the Resurrection in Betty’s honor at 11:00 a.m., followed a luncheon reception. Betty will be interred with Paul at Claysville Cemetery in Pennsylvania at a later date. Arrangements are by Claytor Rollins Funeral Home in Poquoson.

While flowers are welcome, please consider a donation to the Poquoson Volunteer Rescue Squad or your favorite charity.

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