Bettina Nicholas, retired guidance counselor

BETTINA AMONITTI Nicholas, a retired guidance counselor in the Philadelphia public schools and an artist in needlepoint who thrilled her family and friends with charcoal sketches of them, died Dec. 13 after a long battle with arthritis and chronic lung disease. She was 84 and lived in Mount Airy.

Bettina spent most of her guidance career at the Chester Arthur School, 20th and Catherine streets. She retired in 1993.

"She was known to family and friends for many things, but mainly for her keen insight and intelligence and sharp wit," her family said.

Bettina was born in Philadelphia to Gerald and Dorothy Amonitti. She formerly lived in South Philadelphia and in Germantown.

She graduated from Girls High School and went on to Temple University, where she eventually earned a master's in counseling and guidance.

Over the years, Bettina also lived in Brooklyn and in Washington, D.C.

She loved classic jazz and could sing the lyrics of many jazz songs. She created beautiful needlepoint pillows and pocketbooks, was an avid reader and enjoyed daily crossword puzzles.

Bettina was a longtime member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Northeasterners, an organization that emphasizes family, friendships and service to others.

As her arthritis made it difficult to get around, she liked to repose on her pink couch, talk on the phone and watch Oprah with her cat, Addy.

She met her husband, Julian Cardozo Nicholas, in college. The marriage ended and she devoted her energies to raising her daughter, Annina Wilkes. She also is survived by two granddaughters.

Services: Memorial service was yesterday at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.