Elizabeth Jane Spry

Elizabeth Jane Spry 1926-2020

Elizabeth (Bette) Spry passed away on August 16, 2020 at the age of 93 at her home in West Seattle with family by her side.

Bette was born on September 28, 1926 in Omaha, NE to Frank and Margaret Swinarski. Bette’s father emigrated from Poland, and her mother was born in Ashton, NE. One of six children growing up during the Great Depression, Bette enjoyed ice skating on cold Nebraska days and spending time with her family. After graduating from high school, Bette went to work to support the war effort. During World War II, she worked for the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant as a time keeper.

Bette loved dancing and she met her future husband, Al, while dancing in one of Omaha’s lively ballrooms in the 1950s. On July 16, 1955 they were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, NE. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest where they settled in West Seattle and raised four children.

Bette was a member of the Highland Park Improvement Club in West Seattle, where she and Al regularly participated in monthly dances, and she served terms as Vice President and Secretary. Bette, with Al, knew how to “cut the rug” when it was time to dance.

Bette was a devout Catholic and a founding member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, where she helped it grow from its humble beginnings in the school basement to the current church it is today. An active volunteer, she was a member of the church guild, participating in many Parish activities and charitable events.

Bette enjoyed traveling. She and her family made many road trips back to Omaha with the family dog, Cricket, in tow, taking detours to National Parks and other destinations along the way. An international trip with dear friends took her through many of the great cities of Europe, with the highlight for Bette being attending the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

Bette was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She had a sharp mind and kind heart and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She was also a loyal friend throughout her lifetime and enjoyed organizing dinner parties and having coffee with friends.

Bette is survived by her husband, Al, of 65 years, her children Paula Buty (Kim), Sandra Scatena (Brian), Stephen Spry (Brandy) and Michael Spry (Mary Kay), grandchildren (Mitchel Spry, David Spry, Rocco Buty and Katherine Spry) and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited. A private interment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to St. Martin de Porres or St. Vincent de Paul.

Please share memories of Bette and condolences with her family on the Tribute Wall located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle