Our wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and good friend Betty Berman died peacefully on January 11 in her home surrounded by family after 96 spectacular years. She was preceded in death by parents, David and Teressa Davis, husband Alvin Berman and brothers Davie and Thomas Davis. Sadly, her daughter Teresa Berman also died last May. Betty is survived by her son Larry (Jill) Berman, daughter Linda (Lory) Lybeck, grandchildren Stacy Hargrave, Christine Hale, Sarah Hale, Stephen Lybeck, Caely Lybeck, and five great grandchildren.

Betty was born on November 1, 1920 in Coulee City, Washington. She was raised on her parents’ farm providing the basis for her strong work ethic and loving, nurturing nature that was her core. Betty lived with the purpose to make the lives of her family and friends better. All who knew her understand that she served this purpose to the fullest. She was a steadfastly positive person. To Betty, each day was the best day of her life.

Betty’s early life was truly an adventure at a time when opportunities for young women were not as they are today. As a young girl, she rode horses to school. Later, she piloted open cockpit airplanes. She started college at the age of 16 at Washington State University. She earned numerous scholastic awards, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in 1941 in the top 5 of her class before starting graduate school. She loved all sports and was an accomplished pianist. She began her career at the Washington State Farm Bureau and later taught business courses at the University of Miami.

Betty and Al met at a USO dance in 1945 and married 3 months later. After a year in Miami, she and Al moved back to Seattle where Al completed his studies at the University of Washington and the couple started a family. They built a life in the Burien area as owners of successful men’s clothing stores. Betty was key to the couple’s business success and was involved in many local civic activities. Betty was also a wonderful nurturing mother to her three children. Friends wondered when she ever slept.

After retirement in the early 80’s, Betty and Al took trips around the world with their many friends. Betty and Al were married for 40 years. Betty continued exploring the world after her husband’s death in 1986.

While away in Europe in 1994, Betty’s children surprised her by moving her to Mercer Island. During the next 22+ years she built a broad range of friendships. She remained the leader of her family and was an unwavering supporter of not only her grandchildren but many of their school age friends as well. To all of them she was known simply as “Grandma Betty”.

She was truly a friend to so many more. Whether at Starbucks, the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church (serving as a Stephen Minister) or simply at home in her neighborhood, Betty could be counted on for kindness, support and laughter. Betty lived her life thinking the best of everyone she met. Betty’s daily example of how to graciously live life will be sorely missed. She made us all better.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift be made in her memory to support local children at Mercer Island Youth & Family Service Foundation: www.miyfs.org or MIYFS at 2040 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 28th at 4 p.m followed by a reception celebrating Betty’s life at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA.