"Dear Bob, Don, & Tom, Just visiting Seattle and came across the obituary for your Mom. My heart is with you all as are prayers. So many wonderful memories of our families spending the many holidays together! And the beginning was that train trip to Chicago when Bob and I were in 1st grade and we introduced our parents to one another which began that life long friendship. My deepest sympathies to you all!"
In loving memory of
Mary Ann Betz
May 24, 1924 - October 18, 2012
Mary A. Betz, 88, passed away peacefully at home early Thursday, October 18. Her nearly nine decades were marked by a loving family, frequent laughter, sweet memories and deep friendships.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 24, 1924, the daughter of Carmen and Virginia Sarno, recent immigrants from southern Italy. She is survived by three sons: Don (Susanne), Bob (Cathy) and Tom (Cindy), as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Her life was a tribute to her Italian heritage, reflected in the boundless pleasure she had when surrounded by family, food and friends. She shared those loves with her husband, Don, to whom she was married for 59 years. They met in Chicago in the early days of World War II, and continued their romance in Washington, Florida and Chicago, before moving to Seattle in 1954. She took her job as mother and homemaker seriously, staying enthusiastically involved with all aspects of her husband's and children's activities, from ball games to PTA, picnics to corporate dinners. She immediately joined St. Benedict's parish in Seattle where she took on projects, from fund raisers to plays and fashion shows; her vision of what could be accomplished was matched by her will and determination to be and do the best. She remained a faithful member of the congregation throughout her life.
Over time Mary showed her entrepreneurial savvy, establishing businesses and tackling new projects. In the mid 1960s she led the way to build the Mari-Don Apartments, still an iconic residence in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. Shortly after, she opened the Clamdigger Restaurant in Seattle's Pike Place Market, gaining local fame for her generous cioppino. This was followed by two natural food stores, both named MariDon Healthway, in the Pike Place Market and then the Wallingford neighborhood. Mary eagerly supported the move to and organization of natural foods retailing throughout Washington.
Her friendships found their greatest expression and purpose in the Italian American community, via her membership in The Sons of Italy, Italian Club, and the West Side Civic Club. She was a 40 year member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #1369, and was an officer and active participant in local, state and national posts. Mary loved to travel, enjoying road trips back to her native Chicago and other destinations throughout the west and east coasts. She eventually visited the motherland, discovering her roots through relatives in and around Naples.
Mary will be missed for the spirit and energy she brought to all aspects of her life, as well as for her sublime interpretations of southern Italian food. Above all, she will be remembered for her enthusiastic friendship and deep love of family.
Tributes
"Dear Betz Family, David and I send all our good thoughts and prayers for you. I know your mom will be deeply missed; may the wonderful memories of your life together provide you with comfort over time. We are very sorry for your loss. Tess and David Tess Remy and David Morris"
"Don and Susanne, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am simply a phone call away. Mary sounds like a remarkable woman who was most proud of her children, her family. Thank God for women like her. She had alot of love and knowledge to give to her family and the world around her. I wish I had known her personally. God Bless You, Belva Howard"
"To all of Mary's family, I offer my sympathy, hope for peace in your hearts, as you process one of life's most difficult moments. I've been Mary's Caregiver since October 2007. While we had every other weekends together, we used every minute of it truly "enjoying" life! We drove to wherever she wanted to go, ate food to suit her whims, had conversations with strangers almost at every turn. One of our favorite places to eat was Panera Bread in Northgate. We would have lunch after her hair appointment at JC Penney's. After lunch, she wanted a Starbuck's short mocha latte nonfat milk, and a straw to sip it. Then drive out to Larsens Bakery on 85th in Ballard, to pick up a coffee cake to eat with coffee on Sunday mornings. Two years in a row, we went to the Italian Festival held at Seattle Center. Mary knew every person behind the counters, vendors and sellers, and of course, they too were familiar with her. We sat through the food demonstrations, waiting to taste the food. Mary enjoyed the grape stomping competitions as well as other Italian foods and desserts. She lived life to its fullest extent! Never mincing words, her strong personality may have put off some people who didn't know her. I saw it as Mary's individuality. I will always treasure my memories with Mary. She was and is, still an inspiration to me. "
"MARILINE DAMRON, WITH LOVING MEMORIES OF OUR TIME TOGETHER"
"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Betz. She is truly unforgetable. She had the energy to be a visionary businesswoman.She had the love to share as a fosterparent, as well as the loving matriarch of an adoring family. Although it's been decades, I still recall how she taught me how to properly say Italian. She gave out great Halloween candy. She had a wonderfull smile.Don and Mary Betz were stellar people and I believe that they are reunited in Paradise,and there is a celebration in Heaven"
"May she eternally rest in God's loving arms."
"Gypsy Hogan"
"With our deepest condolences, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Paul Coelho wrote: "Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure." "
"Please accept our family's heartfelt condolences for your loss."
"Dear Betz Family, We, like so many others, truly enjoyed living close to Mary for well past 25 years. Her deep affection for our growing children has not only been etched our memories, but theirs as well. I can still hear her saying to our little boy, "Well Joe, what are you up to today", as she stopped by on her way to Food Giant. Also, for many years, when Sam the kitty showed up in our yard, our daughter loved to pick him up and return him to "Mary's House". Our daughter now has two very similar cats of her own in LA . . . makes you wonder. Just so you know, Mary will be remembered by many people, who were influenced by her laughter, wit and charm. She was a blessing to us all, Rock, Beverly, Elizabeth & Joe "
"Judy Melton"
"You most likely don't remember me, but I was a young girl living in the Wallingford neighborhood when Mary and her family lived there. She looked like a movie star and was the coolest mom on the block. I remember her well and am happy to have had the privilege of knowing her, even if for a very short time. I'm so sorry for your loss, but see that she lived life to the fullest! Carma Joy Brumble"
"To the Betz family, Thoughts and prayers go up for you and your family at this time of loss. The Office of International Services sends both their love and condolences. "
"Mary was always such a fire ball of energy. She will be missed!"
"Dear Betz Family, Sorry for your loss. We knew Mary as aka "auntie money". She will be in our hearts forever. Love , The AZ Capuzzo's"
"Dear Betz Family: I know your heart is heavy during this time of loss but realize that many are with you to help in times of need. I would have loved to have known Mary Ann, as I know as you do, she was a special lady to many. God Bless you and your family."
" You are in our thoughts and prayers. May her Memory be Eternal"
"Dear Betz family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It looks like your mother lived an amazing life--what an inspiration to us all. Praying for comfort and peace for you all during this difficult time."
"We were sad to hear of her passing, our sincerest Condolences to the family. We had the pleasure of Her and Don's company at many of the Sons Of Italy functions. She was a great Champion of her Heritage, and a great supporter of the Seattle Lodge. Rest in Peace, Mary. "
"Dear Betz Family - Your mother looked like she was quite a woman, and I am impressed by all the entrepreneurship! No matter how old we are, losing the last parent feels a little like being an orphan. Prayers and blessings for you and your family during this time."
"At this sad time pause for a moment and celebrate her final journey to the kingdom of eternal peace."
"So sorry to read about the passing of your mom. I haven't seen you since you lost your dad. All our love to you and Cindy. I miss not being in touch. Take care. "
"for so many years, you were like a second Mom to me. All who entered your home were treated like family. Ball games, trips to parks, swimming nights, and italian food not to mention Hostess products! Although we have travelled our separate paths, You and yours will always reside in a special place of my heart. Ciao "
"Thinking of you and your family at this time of loss. May the Lord give you peace and strength."
" Ever since losing my mother in 1979, when she was only 63, I've realized every man is diminished to some degree when his mother is no longer alive.9"
"Our thoughts are with you at this sad time."
"The thoughts and prayers of your friends in the Emeritus Faculty Association are with you and your family at this sad time. "
"With thoughts of peace and courage for you and your family. "
"Evergreen Washelli"