Elizabeth Jule Gansser Krakowski

Elizabeth Jule Gansser Krakowski, lovingly known as “Betty”, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Oak Ridge, NC with her children by her side. She was born to Webster Homer and Nina (Traxler) Gansser on March 20, 1935 in Bay City, MI.

Betty was an ardent sports fan, avid reader and “Peanuts enthusiast”- especially Snoopy! She lived in Michigan until moving to Charlotte, NC in 1983, where she quickly made friends with fellow sports fans, ocean-loving beachcombers and neighbors. After retiring from a career in banking, she was led to a ‘second career’ of eight years with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Steele Creek Branch. Betty served as an ordained elder during her membership in two Charlotte-area churches: Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church and Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. It was through these avenues that she fulfilled both her love of reading and her joy in making meaningful connections within her community, virtues inspired by her mother, Nina, and her grandfather, Colonel Augustus H. Gansser, of Bay City, MI.

She enriched the lives of many with her generosity, compassion and kindness. Her home was always open to family and friends; she didn’t let a birthday go by without acknowledgement. They each knew of her love and affection for them and she will be dearly remembered.

Betty is survived by her children, Michael Krakowski (Oak Ridge, NC), Shelby K. Clark (Jon) (Summerfield, NC), and Melanie Krakowski (Charlotte, NC); grandchildren, Jonathan Clark and Matthew Clark (Elaina Moriarty); and great-granddaughter, Elora Leone Moriarty-Clark. She is also survived by a wonderful brother-in-law, James Fierens; beloved nieces and nephews, Susan Gansser, Jim Fierens, Beth Fierens Straathof, and Randy Krakowski, all of MI; and Donald Gansser, of IL; additional nieces, nephews and cousins; and cherished friend, Joann Mills of SC.

Betty was a devoted wife to Jerald John Krakowski, also a Bay City, MI native. They were married nearly 50 years before his passing in 2006. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her two dear siblings; brother, Victor Augustus Gansser and sister, Marlene Ann Gansser Fierens; Vic’s spouse Regina Gansser; and a very special sister-in-law, Romaine C. Krakowski.

Our family is grateful for the love shown to Betty by her relatives, friends and neighbors throughout her life. We also express our thanks for the hospice care she received in her home from nurses Autumn and Branson of Trellis Supportive Care of NC.

In honoring the wishes of Betty, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.