Elizabeth Zech
August 25, 1928 - July 6, 2008
Obituary
Elizabeth M. ‘Betty June’ Zech
Betty Zech, beloved wife of Jerome Zech for 59 years, mother of nine and grandmother of 23, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2008. Betty was born in Seattle August 25, 1928, the first of six children to Edward Elliott and Elizabeth Goerig.
Betty grew up in the St. Joseph community on Capitol Hill, in Seattle, and attended Forest Ridge School from grades K-12. She continued her education at Lone Mountain College in San Francisco and the University of Washington where she was a Delta Gamma. Jerome and Betty met at UW in 1948, and were married June 18, 1949.
Betty and all of her children were baptized at St. Joseph Church and she remained a committed member of the community. Betty and Jerome were active participants in the Marriage Encounter program, the Parish Council and the Eucharistic Ministry. She was one of the first women to volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul through St. Joseph’s and later at St. Thomas More in Lynnwood. She was also a volunteer with Junior League of Seattle.
Her favorite things included her flowers and gardens, picking blackberries, taking beach walks on Whidbey Island and all family gatherings–especially the large ‘Zech-Outs.’ Once her children were grown, it was her time for adventures with Jerome, including igloo building in the mountains, bicycling in the Netherlands, and riding on their motorcycle.
Betty is survived by husband Jerome; Children Caron Rich McCune, Jerome Jr. Denise Zech, Julie Pete Lackie, Mary Kay Rick Perrigo, Joe Marianne Zech, Theresa Larry Meyers, Jack Zech, Margie Zech Jon Hallgrimson, Richard Karen Zech; and 23 grandchildren. Brothers Richard Elliott and Robert Elliott and sister Virginia Solseng.
In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul of St. Thomas More 6511 176th St. SW Lynnwood, WA 98037.
Rosary: Thursday 7:00 PM, July 10 at Bonney-Watson 1732 Broadway, Seattle. Funeral Services: Friday, July 11 – 11 AM – St. Thomas More Church 6511 176th St. SW – Lynnwood, WA.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of that special woman who gave so much to so many.
With love,
Alice Jean and Don Lewis
Dear Jerome, We have such wonderful memories of our “Renew Group”. I still hum “We are Standing on Holy Ground” and think of you and Betty. How blessed we were to share those times with you.
We pray for your strength and peace.
God’s Blessings on you and all of your family.
Terry & Veda Jo Byrne
I wish to send my thoughts and prayers to the Zech family. I fondly remember seeing your mother, and wife, at either church or the golf club. She always had a smile on her face and sparkle in her eye. My thoughts and prayers to you and yours. Sincerely, TallyAnn Carroll
Betty and the entire Zech Family are always in our heart and will be in our prayers.
To us she was always a warm and kind person.
What a lovely sweet lady!!! We will always remember Betty’s smile and warm friendship. She will be missed by many.
Fondly, Alden and Bev
My prayers and sympathy are with your family in the loss of your darling Mother. We played golf together at Seattle Golf and I always enjoyed being with her cheery self. God Bless.
Rita D.
We miss Betty alot. A wonderful lady, full of class and always smiling. With Love, Greg, Paula, Elle, Erica and Nick.
Zech Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your special memories of Betty June give you some peace and joy during this difficult time.
Dear Jerome, It is with fond memories that I think of the good times we shared in Marriage Encounter. You will always be remembered for you gentleness and the wonderful way you steared us with courage to a true course. Betty June was a great and tender example of love and caringfor all concerned. I will see you tomorow. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this time with acceptance.
Good Wishes and Blessings,
Carole Wright
Dear Zechs, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. I have so very many wonderful memories of Mrs. Zech, especially taffy pulls in the kitchen on Whidbey and sleepovers in the loft and the wonderful times I had with you all at the Seattle house and I could go on and on. I am sad to see of her passing and grateful to have known her and to hold so many wonderful thoughts of the times together. My love to all, Barbie
Jerome and family,
It has been such a pleasure to know Betty and you these last few years at the Mukilteo YMCA. She was such a joy to have around and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to know her sooner. Her smile and hugs will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God’s blessings,
Maggie
To all the Zechs, My thoughts are with you! I’ll always remember your sweet mom and our summers at Whidbey Island, days with your mom and all of you on 16th and 21st. May you be finding some peace in the next few days.
Love, Mary Sheehan Navalinski
“Jomee”: My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and all of the Zech family. May your Mother rest in Peace. God Bless!!!!!!!!! Jimmy”Wags”Wagner. Seattle Prep 1970
To the Zech Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Gloria Buono Doolittle
Zeck Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We know all too well and understand what you are going through at this time.
Betty was one of the sweetest people we knew. Her warm smile and concern for everyone will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.
Dear Jerome, Our love is with you and your family on Betty’s passing. We know you all miss her very much. We admire your care for her in her final ailment. As you probably know, it is Mixed Field Day at SGC & we have committed to play that day. But we will have you in our hearts. Betty was a dear and kind friend, always smiling and cheerful. Our best wishes to you and your family. Jerry and Betsy
To all the Zechs, The sadness of Betty’s passing is relived by the many happy memories of Whidbey, Boston Whalers,oysters on the deck, and days of summer fun. Through it all, Betty’s joyful laughter and gentle presence is there. What a wonderful person and mom. My love to all of you.
Many wonderful memories of Betty June from highschool days. God bless her…She is now “home”….
Jeanne Moriarty Jacobsen
Dear Jomme – What a shock to hear that our friend and your best friend had made her transition to be with our Lord. We can still see her gentle eyes and smile. We shall always treasure our memories and many hours working with the two of you and Fr. Jack in Marriage Encounter – especially putting together the plane trip to Philadelphia. God blessed us then with our faith and we know he will do the same for you and your family now. We’re sorry we cannot be with you for the celebration of her life we leave tomorrow on a trip but we shall be with you in spirit. Love – Jane and Bob
Mary Kay,
I just noticed Betty’s obituary in the newspaper. I am so sorry. I remember Betty fondly from our early morning aerobics class all those years ago. What a warm and wonderful person she was. My best to you and your family.
Anita Carmin