Elizabeth “Betty” Weidner

As toddlers, Betty Weidner’s grandkids often cried when it was time to leave her warm, welcoming home. To ease the parting, she filled a metal box with sweets and called it “Goodbye Candy.” Her sixteen grandchildren, now in their twenties and thirties, still remember fondly that “sweet sorrow.”

Betty Jane Collett Weidner, age 88, died early Sunday morning at the home of her daughter Jane Ehrman, surrounded by her six children and many of her grandchildren. One of eight children herself, Betty put family at the heart of everything she did. “She was the first event planner I ever encountered,” said one of her daughters. “She could always find a reason to bring the family together to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, game nights, baptisms, patron saints days, you name it.”

Mrs. Weidner also found time to volunteer at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, at St. Pius School, and had been a Girl Scout troop leader. She was an avid card player and also enjoyed ceramics and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband George Weidner, former mayor of Edgewood. She leaves behind a son, Chuck (Judy) Weidner of Taylor Mill, and five daughters: Barbara Hedges and Jane (Bill) Ehrman of Park Hills, Ginny (Michael) Sandfoss of Kenton County, Mary Ann Weidner of Silver City, New Mexico, and Tina Klare of Villa Hills; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as two brothers: Bob Collett of Florence and Jack Collett of Union.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 5 until 7 pm. at Linnemann Funeral Homes, Erlanger. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 30 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X, Edgewood.

Memorials are suggested to organization of choice that nurtures children and families.