Betty was born on July 3, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Leo and Adele Atiyeh George, who were of Lebanese heritage. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marion George Norman and Margaret George.
A graduate of Coughlin High School, and Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Betty devoted much of her professional life to helping others. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor and later worked for Armstrong World Industries in Marietta, Pennsylvania.
It was while studying education that Betty met Frank Polanowski, beginning a love story that would span nearly 65 years. They married on February 19, 1970, during a record-setting snowstorm, and over the many years that followed, they weathered all of life’s seasons side by side. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and a deep commitment to one another, making their homes in State College and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and most recently in San Jose, California.
Above all, Betty was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She dedicated herself to her only son, Leo George Polanowski, always pushing him to aim higher and ultimately helping propel him to attend Harvard University. She was immensely proud of him and the life he built. She found tremendous joy in her beloved granddaughters, Lauren and Addison, and treasured the time she spent with them.
Betty was known for her warmth, wisdom, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She had a way of caring for others that was so often expressed through food, conversation, and the traditions she shared.
A remarkable cook, Betty loved preparing many types of food, but traditional Lebanese cuisine held a special place in her heart. Just as she had loved teaching throughout her life, she loved passing along what she knew in the kitchen, sharing treasured family recipes and the stories and traditions behind them with those she loved. Over countless meals with family and friends, Betty passed along far more than recipes. She shared her wisdom, her heritage, and her love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow her.
Betty will be deeply missed by her husband, Frank; her son, Leo; her granddaughters, Lauren and Addison; and the many family members and friends whose lives she touched.
A graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, August 28, at noon under the direction of Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, Inc.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date in San Jose, California, where family and friends will gather in a way that feels especially fitting: together around a table, preparing and sharing some of her favorite foods in her memory.
Hi there,I am writing on behalf of Betty Polanowski’s son, Leo Polanowski to submit Betty’s obituary for publication.His details are as follows:415-310-4721846 Plaza Drive, San Jose, CA 95125.Please see below, and let me know if there is anything additional you need provided. Thank you so much. – Emily YagerBetty George Polanowski
Betty George Polanowski passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 18, 2026, at the age of 88.
Betty was born on July 3, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Leo and Adele Atiyeh George, who were of Lebanese heritage. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marion George Norman and Margaret George.
A graduate of Coughlin High School, King’s College, and Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Betty devoted much of her professional life to helping others. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor and later worked for Armstrong World Industries in Marietta, Pennsylvania.
It was while studying education that Betty met Frank Polanowski, beginning a love story that would span nearly 65 years. They married on February 19, 1970, during a record-setting snowstorm, and over the many years that followed, they weathered all of life’s seasons side by side. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and a deep commitment to one another, making their homes in State College and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and most recently in San Jose, California.
Above all, Betty was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She dedicated herself to her only son, Leo George Polanowski, always pushing him to aim higher and ultimately helping propel him to attend Harvard University. She was immensely proud of him and the life he built. She found tremendous joy in her beloved granddaughters, Lauren and Addison, and treasured the time she spent with them.
Betty was known for her warmth, wisdom, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She had a way of caring for others that was so often expressed through food, conversation, and the traditions she shared.
A remarkable cook, Betty loved preparing many types of food, but traditional Lebanese cuisine held a special place in her heart. Just as she had loved teaching throughout her life, she loved passing along what she knew in the kitchen, sharing treasured family recipes and the stories and traditions behind them with those she loved. Over countless meals with family and friends, Betty passed along far more than recipes. She shared her wisdom, her heritage, and her love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow her.
Betty will be deeply missed by her husband, Frank; her son, Leo; her granddaughters, Lauren and Addison; and the many family members and friends whose lives she touched.
A graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, August 28, under the direction of Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date in San Jose, California, where family and friends will gather in a way that feels especially fitting: together around a table, preparing and sharing some of her favorite foods in her memory.
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