Elizabeth "Betty" Westfall

Our loving mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Westfall, passed away at home on March 20, 2013, surrounded by her children. Betty was born March 9, 1924 in Washington D.C. to Preston and Mary McLendon. Mom attended Sidwell Friends High School and graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in nursing. She worked at George Washington University Hospital where she met John Finley Westfall. They married while he was in the U. S. Navy Medical Corps. While in the Navy, they were stationed in Panama, and then Hawaii. Afterwards they moved to the Arizona desert, the home of Dad’s family. Here, they raised their six children: Debby, Kent, Lynn, John, Bruce and Julie. Mom has left the family with many fond memories. Among them were many family camping trips throughout Mexico, the Southwest and other countries. One of her fondest trips was retracing the steps of Lawrence of Arabia in the Jordanian desert with Dad. Boy she loved that movie! She passed on her love of arts and crafts to her sons and daughters. She enjoyed cards tremendously, especially duplicate bridge where she aspired and fulfilled her dream of making 400 points! Mom loved to entertain and often enjoyed a house full of guests.

Mom is survived by her six children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Jennifer, mom’s hospice nurse, whose warm smile, kindness, and compassion helped all of us through this difficult time. If you wish, donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley. At her request, no services will be held. A gathering with friends and family will be scheduled in the near future.