Dr. Betty L. (Rinehart) Riccardi

Dr. Betty Riccardi (Rinehart), a loving mother, grandmother, and dedicated healthcare professional, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023, in Bryn Mawr, PA. Born on August 3, 1935, in Independence, MO, she devoted her life to the service of others, particularly in the fields of nursing and health education.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Kristen Schrader, and son-in-law, Dave Schrader. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Kaelyn, Dustin, and Kimmie Schrader. Her husband, William Riccardi, and twin sister, Beverly Riccardi (Rinehart) and brother-in-law, James Riccardi II, preceded her in death.

Betty's lifelong passion for learning and education began with her pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, followed by a Master's degree in Education and a PhD in Health Science. Her commitment to her profession and the well-being of others was evident in her extensive work history and numerous accomplishments.

Dr. Riccardi's career began as a Registered Nurse, where she dedicated herself to providing compassionate care to her patients. She went on to serve as the Director of Nursing at St. Mary's Hospital, where she led her team with grace and expertise. Her leadership skills and passion for nursing education led her to become an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Avila University where she also served as President for the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing.

In addition to her work in nursing, Dr. Riccardi spent nearly 20 years as a State Surveyor for Long Term Care in both Missouri and Pennsylvania. Her keen understanding of the needs and challenges faced by long-term care facilities and their residents made her an invaluable asset in ensuring the highest standards of care were met.

As an International Health Education Consultant with the American Nurses Association, Dr. Riccardi had a profound impact on the lives of countless nurses and healthcare professionals around the world. Her dedication to the advancement of nursing education and practice was truly inspiring to those who had the privilege of working with her.

Throughout her career, Dr. Riccardi was also a prolific author, publishing numerous articles and research papers on various aspects of nursing and healthcare. Her groundbreaking book, "The Nurse Entrepreneur," continues to serve as a guide and inspiration for nurses seeking to make a difference in their profession and the lives of their patients. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in her footsteps.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chosen 300 Ministries at http://www.chosen300.org/donateonline.html