The son of local Democratic leader Betty Gissendanner says that Betty has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Gissendanner was a driving force for the Charlotte County Democratic Party, most recently serving as Vice Chair until 2018. She also served as State Committeewoman for seven years, representing the Charlotte Party to the Florida Democratic Party.
She was instrumental in the resurgence of the Charlotte Party and motivated local Democrats with her good humor and stalwart support of Democratic values.
In addition to her Party activities, Gissendanner was the owner of a State Farm Insurance agency in Port Charlotte before her retirement.
Betty’s son, William D. Gissendanner, wrote on her Facebook page:
“Some bonds can never be broken. Be them on earth, or in heaven. Be them between a Mother, and her son. I love you Mom and will miss our earthly bond terribly until we are reunited once again in heaven. The earthly struggle is now over. While completely heartbroken, as this is a pain deeper than any I’ve ever known, I’m reminded of God’s tremendous love for us both, which goes well beyond my comprehension. Living in a world without you seems both unfair and unreal. But I know that comfort and better days are just around the bend because you said they’d be. My beautiful beautiful Mother, I love you, now and forevermore.”
Charlotte County Democratic Chairman Patrick Hurley said, “Betty and I met after the 2016 election about what needed fixing. She stopped me in my tracks saying, ‘We all talk about needing to change something. My question to you is: What will you do to make a change?'” Hurley continued, “She listened to people complain, then challenged them to take action. She was so effective at that.”
Betty Gissendanner’s viewings are set for Thursday, Feb. 21st from 2:30-3:30PM, at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 and Friday from 10-11AM at Edgewater United Methodist Church, 19190 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Betty’s funeral is set for 11AM Friday at Edgewater United Methodist Church
Interment will be at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery following the funeral service
A reception is scheduled from 1-3PM Friday at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery
Pictures of Betty posted by her many friends can be found and uploaded here:
