Elizabeth Eckenrode Shammas

June 17, 1921-March 8, 2013

Pacific Grove ~ Elizabeth “Betty” Shammas, 91, died unexpectedly in her sleep on March 8, 2013. Born June 17, 1921 in Lancaster, PA to John and Kathryn Eckenrode, she attended Lancaster Catholic High School and Dunbarton College in Washington DC.

Betty met the love of her life, Jake, in Lancaster while he was attending college. They married in 1949, after Jake moved to Monterey to teach Arabic at the Army Language School (DLI). They first lived at Army housing at Ord Village where the international teachers lived with their families. During those years, Betty and Jake made lifelong friendships that became extended family. Moving to Pacific Grove in 1952, they raised their four children at their home in the Candy Cane Lane neighborhood.

Betty worked as the secretary for St. Angela's Church for twenty years. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court St Angela's, the Parade of Nations, Arab American Club and also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Angela's for many years.

Betty was an enthusiastic mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved having her children and grandchildren around her and encouraged them in all their endeavors. She even "adopted" friends’ children as her own grandkids. Betty’s Catholic faith comforted her and guided her life. She was a happy and optimistic person and enjoyed life to the fullest. Betty valued her friendships and was always willing to help someone in need.

A very active person, Betty loved to travel, walk daily along the ocean, and would never pass up the opportunity to watch a football or basketball game. She could be seen many times rooting at the Pacific Grove High School basketball games as she watched her grandchildren play and then, later, encouraging the girl's team coached by her granddaughter. Betty also loved a good game of cards. Family get-togethers were the highlight of her week.

Betty is survived by her children; Beth (Richard Gray) Shammas of Monterey, Anne (Jeff) Swedberg of Aptos and Joe Shammas of Pacific Grove. She leaves eleven grandchildren; Lorie, Jamil, and Nick Salas, Marta (Matt) Dalhamer, Layla (Dror) Manor, Eron, Karson (Jacqueline), Krista and Julie Swedberg and Coby and Robbie Shammas and two great-granddaughters, Miriam Manor and Charlotte Dalhamer. She also leaves her sister, Virginia Metzger of Lancaster PA and many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Jake, in 1999; her daughter, Nancy, in November, 2012 and her siblings, Sister Miriam Eckenrode, CSC, John Eckenrode, Harriett Hammond, Dr. Joseph Eckenrode and her twin sister, Kathryn Everts.

A Vigil will be held at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church this Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated, also at St. Angela Merici, this Friday, March 15 at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Angela Merici Beautification Project, 146 – 8th St., Pacific Grove, 93950. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Betty’s guest book and leave messages for her family.