Mary Ann Betz

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 24, 1924, the daughter of Carmen and Virginia Sarno, recent immigrants from southern Italy. She is survived by three sons: Don (Susanne), Bob (Cathy) and Tom (Cindy), as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Her life was a tribute to her Italian heritage, reflected in the boundless pleasure she had when surrounded by family, food and friends. She shared those loves with her husband, Don, to whom she was married for 59 years. They met in Chicago in the early days of World War II, and continued their romance in Washington, Florida and Chicago, before moving to Seattle in 1954. She took her job as mother and homemaker seriously, staying enthusiastically involved with all aspects of her husband's and children's activities, from ball games to PTA, picnics to corporate dinners. She immediately joined St. Benedict's parish in Seattle where she took on projects, from fund raisers to plays and fashion shows; her vision of what could be accomplished was matched by her will and determination to be and do the best. She remained a faithful member of the congregation throughout her life.

Over time Mary showed her entrepreneurial savvy, establishing businesses and tackling new projects. In the mid 1960s she led the way to build the Mari-Don Apartments, still an iconic residence in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. Shortly after, she opened the Clamdigger Restaurant in Seattle's Pike Place Market, gaining local fame for her generous cioppino. This was followed by two natural food stores, both named MariDon Healthway, in the Pike Place Market and then the Wallingford neighborhood. Mary eagerly supported the move to and organization of natural foods retailing throughout Washington.

Her friendships found their greatest expression and purpose in the Italian American community, via her membership in The Sons of Italy, Italian Club, and the West Side Civic Club. She was a 40 year member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #1369, and was an officer and active participant in local, state and national posts. Mary loved to travel, enjoying road trips back to her native Chicago and other destinations throughout the west and east coasts. She eventually visited the motherland, discovering her roots through relatives in and around Naples.

Mary will be missed for the spirit and energy she brought to all aspects of her life, as well as for her sublime interpretations of southern Italian food. Above all, she will be remembered for her enthusiastic friendship and deep love of family.