Bette J. Appel

Bette Jean Appel of Bloomfield Hills and Grand Haven, Michigan, quietly passed away October 21, 2014. Mother, Grandmother and dear friend, Bette was born February 2, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio. Following graduation from Bowling Green University, Bette designed children’s clothes sold in Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. A fashion designer ahead of her time, and entrepreneur, through five Bette Appel stores, she dressed women throughout the United States. Creator, of the “NO SWET” brand, in the Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Bette brought spandex to the forefront with her attractive athletic clothing. Bette made a fashion design look good on a woman of any size. Bette learned her designing and sewing skills on the lap of her Aunt Donta and at the knee of her magnificent Aunt Anne. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Aldridge, parents Elsie and Edward Bell and brother, Bill Bell. Bette is survived by her daughter, Lisa Guichici of Mohawk, Michigan and grandson, Bill Brookins of Palmer, Alaska. A private Memorial Service is to be held. The family requests memorial contributions be made to your local Humane Society. Please visit pixleyfuneral.com.