Betty Law Pepper

Mary E. "Betty" Pepper, 85, a resident of Annapolis for over 40 years and previously of Honolulu, Hawaii, died of natural causes July 26 at home.

She was born Aug. 4, 1923, in Queens, N.Y., to the late Ella Rita Law and Walter A. Law. She was a 1942 graduate of Hempstead High School in Hempstead, N.Y.

She performed administrative support during World War II at Mitchell Field, Long Island, from 1942 until 1945, working in the Transportation Office until her marriage to John K. Pepper, an Air Force officer.

She was active in volunteer organizations during her husband's tours of duty, primarily in hospitals and her children's schools. She enjoyed international travelling within Europe and to Russia.

She was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Annapolis and Our Lady of Lourdes in Bethesda during her husband's active duty at the Pentagon, and was past board member of the community association. She enjoyed going to the beach in many states, needlework of all kinds, shopping, traveling (especially to Hawaii), and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. John K. Pepper, USAF (ret.), who died Dec. 1993. They were married Sept. 23, 1945.

She is survived a son, John K. Pepper Jr. of Millersville; two daughters, Susan P. Elder of Severna Park and M. Elaine Pepper of Annapolis; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. July 31 at St. John Neumann Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary E. Pepper to St. John Neumann Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis MD 21401.