BETTY REAGAN

November 19, 1922 - March 1, 2000

After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Betty Reagan died on March 1, 2000. It was a very sad and frustrating end for a wonderful person who touched many lives in her 77 years on earth.

We watched the wife and mother we knew drift away from us over the past few years into her own little world, but will always remember her as she was when we were growing up. She was a vibrant, happy woman, who made our childhood’s happy, for which we are eternally grateful.

The memorial service took place at St. George’s Episcopal Church on March 11, 2000, with The Reverend Anna Maria Korathu presiding, and about 70 people in attendance to celebrate Betty’s life. It was a beautiful service and included John Reagan (son) and Margaret Armstrong (niece) speaking about Betty the way we all remembered her. Their speeches brought tears to many eyes and made the memories come alive.

After the service there was a reception at the church, complete with food prepared by the church’s congregation. It was truly lovely and made it easier to catch up with old friends and remember days gone by. I made a "picture board" of Betty’s life, with pictures dating back to her high school days and on up to shortly before she was put in the nursing home. It was a lot of fun to be able to look back over her life and have a few good laughs.

On March 15, 2000, the family and several friends took Betty’s ashes out on a boat on Puget Sound and, as she wished, scattered them in the water. Reverend Korathu went along and performed a short service while we scattered the ashes. The day was nice (for Seattle in March!) and the waters were calm, so we could see her slowly floating away and sinking, following which John and Caitlin (granddaughter) threw a tulip in the water for her. It was lovely and a fitting end to her life.

We will all remember Betty fondly and lovingly. When you do think of her, keep a smile on your face and in your hearts - that is what she would have wanted.

Barb Wysong

March 18, 2000