Betty Jo (Bullard) Pansullo
Betty Jo (Bullard) Pansullo, 90, of Quincy passed away peacefully on November 17, 2021 after a short illness at South Shore Hospital.
Betty Jo was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. In 1949 she married her husband, James “Jim” Pansullo and lived in the same home in Quincy, MA until his passing in 2000. It was there that they raised their two children, Nancy Pansullo Gordon of Holbrook and James “Jamie” J. Pansullo of Quincy. Betty Jo was a loving, caring and selfless mother who paused her successful singing career to stay home and raise her two children, providing them with joyful childhood memories they will always treasure.
Betty Jo took on many different stage names in her early career, known to some as Betty Jo Baxter or Bobby Baxter. Throughout the 1940’s and 50’s she was the lead big band singer for the Freddy Guerra Band, singing at the Totem Pole Nightclub on bustling weekend evenings in Newton, MA. As her children grew older and her stay-at-home mom duties became less demanding of her time, she resumed her singing career in the 1980’s singing at functions with the Bob Bowlby Band. Anyone fortunate enough to have the opportunity to listen to her sing described her voice as beautiful and angelic. It was the kind of voice that was appreciated by all ages.
After her retirement from singing, Betty Jo was employed at the Bank of Boston. Her son, Jamie, gave her the first grandchild, James W. Pansullo, and then Nancy had three children, Benjamin, Abigail and Molly Kate Gordon. Her loving and caring nature never ceased as she became a grandmother. She took immense pride in spoiling her grandchildren, especially during Christmas with her many trips to the Plaza to buy the four of them the “best” gifts. She was greatly invested in the lives of her family, constantly searching for ways to help out and contribute. In addition, she quietly helped those less fortunate as well, especially during the holidays.
The last six years of Betty Jo’s life were spent at Hancock Park Nursing Center in Quincy where she continued spreading her kindness along with her beautiful voice to anyone who crossed her path. Her family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care she received there.
She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Schmidt of Wilmington, NC, her brother, Perry Bullard of San Antonio, TX and her son-in-law, Timothy Gordon of Falmouth and many nieces and nephews.
At the family’s request, all services will be private. Arrangements handled by the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, Holbrook.
Guestbook
First Name: Cathy
Last Name: Schop (Pansullo)
City: Seattle
State: WA
Country: USA
Entry Date: 12/01/2021
She was my Auntie Betty Jo.Jimmy was my uncle and godfather. (My dad Tony was Jimmy's brother). She was a goddess to me and my sister, Judy when we were growing up in Connecticut. We loved to hear her sing. And we were charmed by her Southern accent and mannerisms. As we grew up, Judy and I were drawn to the West Coast. We visited the Boston area occasionally, but not enough. I regret this now. Rest in peace, we miss you and love you, Auntie Betty Jo!!