I was with Betty on only a handful of occasions but for the past few weeks have been contemplating why thinking about her always makes me smile. Clearly, she was a much-adored woman, generous and loving.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, catholic, and democrat…I assume in that order.  But what I loved most about Betty was her delicious sense of self … always arriving stylishly dressed and coiffed, usually in her coveted jaguar and with strong opinions. She was energy and light.  During the too few moments I had the good fortune to be with her, she made me feel very special.  Of course, she was the special one and has left a wonderful legacy -- many like me inspired by her irrepressible spirit and a family that benefited from and now exudes her many fine qualities. I feel privileged to have known her.

I thank the Lord every day for blessing me with 28 years of life alongside a woman as warm, strong, caring and, simply, as awe-inspiring as my grandma. It is nearly impossible to encapsulate her essence in words, for she transcended excellence in every possible sense of the word. Nevertheless, I can attempt to reflect upon the wonder that was, and is, my grandma.

She had an inexplicably effortless manner of touching people's lives and hearts, bringing joy to everyone she met with her kind smile and endless desire to help others, in keeping with her unwavering faith and connection to the Lord above, of whom she was a powerful and beautiful extension. 

I may never fully come to terms with the absence of grandma's physical presence in my life. Anyone who had the fortune of knowing my grandma can understand. Yet to define this as a "loss" would be a misnomer; to mourn would be selfish. I must rejoice in knowing that my "loss" was another's gain. After 27 years of waiting, my grandfather is now officially reunited with a woman he ever-so-accurately deemed to be his "angel." Furthermore, I can rest comfortably knowing that she has ascended to a peaceful place, from which she can always look down upon me.

While I would give anything for one more hug, one more conversation, one more anything with her...I feel closer to her now more than ever, and I find tremendous solace in knowing that I will always have an angel carrying me through life, no matter where I am.

Grandma - I love you more than I was ever able to show, and I will forever work to incorporate your unparalleled sense of caring and humility into my own life. If I can touch even a fraction of the souls you touched during your time among us, I will have lived a full and fruitful life.

Grandma was always a paragon of virtue, an example to which we aspired -- a definition which is, by the way, the same as that to describe a saint.  Her commitment to God's word in every area of her life was one of the many defining features of her life.  By this, I don't mean just that she went to church daily, to both hear and reflect on God's word.  I also mean that her reflection upon, and action aligned with, God's word continued the moment she walked out the church doors, and flowed forth into every area of her life.  Her compassion and genuine caring for others was a defining aspect of who she was and always will be.  She was always asking about others, and seeking ways that she might help -- from her family members, to her church community members, to those she had never met -- such as when she frequently took communion to local nursing homes, as just one of many examples.

In addition to this purity of spirit and compassion for others, Grandma was defined by her vibrant personality.  Her energetic yet measured attitude, combined with her sharp wit, made her the delight at parties -- and always livened up watching Redskins games...especially when the Redskins were behind.  I remember many a time when my parents invited her to what would have been an otherwise boring party, knowing that "Betty would make the party."  And she did...She was truly a joy.


In being herself, Grandma humbled us, she inspired us...and she caused us to love every part of her, a sentiment I know we all feel confident in saying that God shared as well, so we can't hold it against Him for wanting more time with Betty Himself.  But she will always be with us, and in the ways that she has inspired us, and consequently changed us, she has become a part of us, and will forever live on inside all of us.

We love you Grandma.

The portrait of your mother says it all--beautiful, kind, and always that smile. I never heard a negative word out of her. It has already been said how gracious she was and that is an understatement. She was the perfect aunt and I will miss her terribly.

Betty was a great lady who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  Her sons and daughters carry on her legacy with their kindness and graciousness. Love to you all

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now.

The greatest gift that was ever given to me, was my Mom.  I feel so honored that 
she passed her name to me.  I will miss her so much every day of my life, but
I am so grateful that God took her in such a dignified manner.  Her graciousness
and kindness will always be branded into my memory.  I love you Mom and I
know that you were welcomed with waiting arms into Heaven.  I miss talking to
you everyday.  I will wink and smile up to you each night when I fall asleep.
  I love you Mom, and sweet dreams.    Love,  Libby

I'm truly sorry to hear of your mother's passing.  She raised fine children who make life here well worth the stay.

My sympathy on the loss of your Mother.  What a blessing that she was with you for so long! Prayers for all of you~

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Betty's kindnesses to us will always be appreciated and remembered.

As a young girl I always loved when Aunt Betty would come and visit us in Phoenix. My fondest memory of Aunt Betty is when I was 8 years old and she and Aunt Irene came to visit. I remember we went to lunch that day and later went back to my Grandma's house (Claire) to play bridge. I had never played before and Betty taught me how. I ended up winning the game (thanks to Betty letting me cheat, I'm sure, but that was our little secret). I will never forget her infectious laugh, fabulous beehive, and of course her bridge skills. You are dearly missed Aunt Betty, but we will all be together again one day, playing bridge in heaven.

We are so sad to hear this news. Your mother was a wonderful and gracious person, and we admired her so much. Please know that our thoughts, love and prayers are with you and the family today and in the days ahead.

Your mom was always such a gracious lady--even when our tribe of 8 descended! I know you will all miss her dreadfully. Please accept my condolences.

Lovely photo of a lovely woman; you will be missed.

Aunt Betty was always one of my favorites. She had the most infectious laugh, and was always laughing about something. She was the most accepting and non-judgemental person I know. She was also one of the best hostesses around, always taking in stray relatives. I just wished that she had been able to come to Phoenix more often because we sure had some great times. I will really miss her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

All the South Dakota Schroeders have you in our thoughts, and send our prayers and sincere sympathy to your family.  Betty was always, always gracious and welcoming, and we will miss our visits with her.  How sorry we are to lose her.
                                       Steve and Connie Schroeder 
                                       and all the Schroeder families

I share your sorrow in the loss of your Mother. Betty was one of my favorite
sisters-in-law and I am so sad that we didn't spend more time together. 
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marjorie Donlin

My sympathies at the loss of your Mother.  I remember years ago visiting the home she made so beautiful for all of you.  You are in my prayers!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Elizabeth Queen

5 février 1916 – 6 mars 2012

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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