Betty Graber died peacefully of natural causes on a warm afternoon, October 11, 2016, after a life full of experience and service. Betty was born in Brooklyn NY on March 8, 1925, the youngest of three siblings. She graduated high school early and was selected for a special program to draw aircraft blueprints during WWII. From there, she bravely journeyed west, to attend the University of Michigan, where she met her first husband, John C. Houston of Dearborn, Michigan. After starting a family, Betty continued her education at Wayne State University, where she graduated in 1964 with a Masters in Social Work, and began her career. She was a social worker for the Pontiac Public Schools for many years, moving from that to establish a private counseling practice which she maintained into her 80s. Later in her life, she married Sidney Graber, Professor of Education, Oakland University, a warm and caring man, with whom she spent many happy years. Betty was ahead of her time engaging actively in civil rights, anti-war, anti-nuclear proliferation, and peace activities as early as the 1950s -- the family is proud that Betty was involved her entire adult life in many political causes promoting peace, justice and equality.
Betty is survived by her three children and their families: Son David Houston of East Lansing (spouse, Elizabeth Keenan, granddaughter Kate (Brent) and their great-grandchildren, Claire and Emma, grandson Peter and Chloe Tennyson), Daughter Barbara Houston of Toronto, ON (grandchildren Sarah, Jordi and Alexia) and Son Eric Houston of Cambridge, MA (spouse, Ranko Konishi and granddaughter Jessica).
Comments are appreciated and may be posted at greastlansing.com. The family requests that any donations in Betty’s name be made to the Capitol Area United Way.
We would also like to express our warm gratitude to staff members at both the Brookdale Living – Southfield, and New Life Assisted Living for the amazing care that they have provided to our mother.
Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing, MI.
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