Betty Ione Svare PUGH

Born on October 23, 1927 in Wheaton Minnesota to Rolf and Inga Svare, Betty passed away Sunday, November 11th 2012 surrounded by her family. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Donald Ray Pugh, sister Beverly and brother Rodney. She is survived by her sons Don Lee and Dean Alan, grandchildren; Markayla Sawyer, Taylor Sawyer, Beret Pugh and Chris Pugh; brothers Harland Svare, and Grenfell Svare, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty met her husband in Poulsbo, Wa. after her family moved from Minnesota. They both attended Central Washington and graduated with degrees in Education. Betty and Don were married in 1950 in Poulsbo, taught in Cashmere and Bainbridge Island before moving to Bellevue in 1959. Betty received her master’s degree from Oregon State University, and spent her life as an educator of children, pioneering Montessori teaching philosophies at the primary school level in the Bellevue School District. She retired from teaching in 1982.

Betty and her husband spent their summers fishing commercially for salmon in Alaska, alongside their two sons. She made two trips up the inside passage with her sons as their ‘crew’. Family meant everything to Betty, and not a moment passed when she wasn’t inquiring about one of the grandchildren, a niece or nephew, or the multitude of friends she had become so close to in life. She considered them part of her extended family.

Services to celebrate Betty’s life will be held Monday, November 26 at 2:00 pm at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue Washington. There will be a reception immediately following at the memorial park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Seattle Fisherman’s Memorial in Betty’s name, PO box 17356 Seattle Wa. 98127.