Elizabeth J. Workman

Elizabeth “Betty” J. (Trout) Workman, 96, of Pottstown, PA, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023, with her family by her side. Born on February 21, 1927, in Pottstown, Betty was the daughter of the late Howard and Eva (Saylor) Trout Sr. She was the wife of the late Elwood “Newt” Workman with whom she shared 35 years of marriage.

She graduated from Pottstown High School in 1944 as the "best female athlete” in her class. Betty was a bold, independent woman who pursued her dreams. She enjoyed many things such as swimming, horseback riding, and learning to fly at Limerick Airport.

After graduating, she moved to New York City to study photography. During her time there, she created black and white ads for Lucky Strike Cigarettes and Ballantine Beer. From that she developed a love of painting.

Betty’s career exemplified her independence. Upon her return to Pottstown, she began working in retail at The New York Store. In 1968, Betty and Newt combined forces to start a full-service event catering business known as Workman Caterers and the Fine and Fancy Food Shop with imported and domestic specialty foods. She was the baker known for her miniature pastries and decadent chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. After Newt’s passing in 1982, Betty worked for Commonwealth Bank and later returned to a retail position at Boscov’s Department Store until she retired in her 80’s.

Betty had a passion for the simple things in life. She loved playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, golfing, traveling, and eating chocolates. Chincoteague was her true “happy place”, where she made countless family memories fishing, boating, walking the beach and chasing Mr. Whippy’s Ice Cream Truck.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her daughters and sons-in-law, Candy and Dennis Newton of Pottstown, PA, and Judy and John Valenta of Fishers, IN; her grandchildren, Todd and Jen Newton, Heather and Joe Wysowaty, Kelly and Jennifer Levengood, Ryan Levengood and the Valenta Family; along with her 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Howard Trout, Jr.

Betty left us with her favorite words to live by, “Eat dessert first, life is uncertain.”

Inurnment will be private and held at the convenience of the family at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/.

Houck & Gofus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 955 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, PA 19464, will be handling the arrangements.