Betty Benson, 90, passed away peacefully February 12, 2014 after a short illness. Born August 20, 1923 in Denver, CO, Betty graduated from the University of Denver (DU) in Education, then moved to Tacoma, WA in 1949 to teach elementary school. She met her future husband, Norman, in The Mountaineers. Norman had moved from Starbuck, Minnesota to Seattle to work for Boeing. They married in 1951 and enjoyed skiing, hiking, and folk dancing together.
They made their home in West Seattle for over 50 years where she was a homemaker involved in her church, school PTA, Camp Fire and Boy Scouts. Early on, they purchased a cabin on Vashon Island, which is still enjoyed by the family today. A door-to-door Avon Lady in her Admiral district neighborhood, Betty worked part time at the Louise North dress shop in the West Seattle Junction. Later she was active in the West Seattle Garden Club, Federated Women’s Club, and her Kappa Delta Sorority Alumnae group. She was always generous with her time and talents.
Betty collected countless donations for the Salvation Army Hickman House for victims of domestic violence and was named Volunteer of the Decade in 1998. After Norman passed away in 2002, she lived 11 years at the Kenney Home, a very special community of friends where she received kind, compassionate care.
She was a wonderful mother with a positive, gracious spirit. She always enjoyed people and was a dear friend to many. She loved the ocean, beach walks, and especially trips to Hawaii.
Betty leaves behind her children, Janet (Mark) Thomasseau and Gary (Jane) Benson, and grandchildren, Allison Thomasseau and Matthew Benson.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014, 2 p.m., at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA.
Remembrances may be made to West Side Presbyterian Church/Youth Special Event Scholarships or Salvation Army Hickman House, 1101 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101.
Share your memories: www.forestlawn-seattle.com
Published in The West Seattle Herald Section of The Westside Weekly March 7, 2014
