June 28, 1932 -- Oct. 7, 2024
With family close by, Betty joined her beloved husband, Jay "Phil" (aka Poppy), at 4:44 p.m. on October 7, 2024. For almost a year since he passed, she awaited this day when God would call her.
For weeks prior, the family visited to share memories and laughs to make sure she knew how much she was loved. Calls and videos came in from across the world from those who couldn't be there. We were comforted in knowing Phil would be waiting for her with his hand held out. For Betty, or Grammie as she was lovingly called, family was everything to her. She often would say she didn't know how she got so lucky, but we knew. She was the strength and center of her family.
Betty was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the height of the Great Depression. Her father passed away when she was 2 years old, leaving his widow with three children to raise. Her family then lived with her grandparents in their family home in Milwaukee. During these years, her mother would bake bread for the children to haul in a little wagon to sell on their way to school.
Her mother later remarried, and her stepfather moved them to a tent city on Fort Ord, near Monterey Bay. After he built their home in Seaside, the family moved there. In eighth grade, she made friends she would have for a lifetime. Monterey was always the place she called home.
In her senior year at Monterey High, she was spotted by a young sailor at the street dances downtown. Their love story began over camping trips in Big Sur with friends. They married not long after she graduated and started a family that grew to four children. Their military travels over the years took them to Washington, Alabama and Bermuda before settling in Fairfield in 1965, to be close to her ailing mother in Monterey.
After Phil's Air Force retirement, she helped Phil in his car repair business, and they enjoyed numerous trips in their RV to visit friends and family. As season ticket holders for the 49ers, they enjoyed frequent games at Candlestick Park, often tailgating with friends. In 2017, she and Phil moved to the Sierra foothills to be closer to their family.
Betty was a consummate and accomplished homemaker. She quietly took great pride in building a home for her family no matter where they were. She mastered baking, cooking, sewing, crocheting, musical instruments and gardening. She sewed clothes, wedding dresses, upholstery, backpacking tents, and down jackets for her children. Each grandchild and family friend found themselves gifted with a baby blanket crocheted by Grammie. She supported all the family endeavors with kindness and love - and often let them know they were wonderful and amazing to her. She kept Phil and the rest of the family on their toes with her sly sense of humor.
Between Jay's career and his future business endeavors, she remained the heart of her extended family. Her greatest joy was anytime her family was together. She hosted many joyous holidays and vacation get-togethers - always with generous amounts of tasty food. She loved baking Christmas cookies and playing games with her grandchildren, and sharing her love of gardening with them. The legacy of her warm, kind heart and unconditional love will remain strong as the family standard for many generations to come.
Preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Neverman; father, Seymour Husserl; sister, Louise Kingston; brother, Seymour "Bud" Husserl; and grandson, Luke Phillips.
Survived by her loving children, and their families: Thomas Phillips (Dana Stokes), Terry Lynch (Peter), Susan Phillips (Rusty Barber), and Merrie Potter (Luis); grandchildren, Naima Phillips, Jesse Phillips, Teaghan Phillips, Casey Lynch (Chris Aberson), Morgan Lynch (Nikki), Koleby Margoles (Ryan), Jacklin Britton (Ben), Katelyn Barber, (Morgan), and Taylor Jay Barber (Britney); great-grandchildren, Avery Aberson, Camden Britton, and Bowie Lynch.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of Auburn Creekside Villa in Auburn who provided the kindest and most compassionate care during her time there. Their specialized version of caregiving was truly a gift in her years there. In addition, our gratitude goes to Auburn Sutter Faith Hospice for their caring support.
At Betty's request, no service will be held. Her ashes will be spread in Big Sur alongside her beloved husband and best friend, Darb, as they called each other. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.