Obituary: O’Donnell, Bette
Elizabeth (Bette) Frances Sullivan was born April 16,1922 on Easter Sunday during a snowstorm to Eugene Sullivan and Lucille James in Virginia City, Nevada.
An only child with a brilliant mind she shared her father’s lifelong love of education.
She graduated from Girls Central High School in Butte Montana.
Bette attended Seattle College and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1944.
Bette married John O’Donnell in 1950 in Seattle, WA where they raised their family.
She lived her last 13 years in Spokane, WA.
Bette had a rewarding career as a registered dietitian.
She took pride in being asked to contribute content to Dr. Benjamin Spock’s 1985 book: Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care.
Bette retired from Children’s Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle in 1987.
She loved her profession but was most proud of her accomplishments being a mother to her five children.
She was also a stand-in mom to countless others.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband John in 1976 as well as sons-in-law Gary Early (Patricia) and Kevin Cosentini (Sue) in 2006.
She is survived by her children Patricia Early of Spokane, Sean O’Donnell (Andrea) of Bothell, Sue O’Donnell of Spokane, Debbie O’Donnell (Jerry Tiano) of Pullman and Scott O’Donnell of Seattle; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as her cousin Marilyn Hill, girlhood friend Margaret (Mullen) Presley and brother-in-law Bill O’Donnell (Mary).
She is also survived by her much loved former daughters-in-law - Loretta O’Donnell and Beth O’Donnell.
Father Robert McNeese will celebrate a Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 16th at St Augustine Catholic Church, 428 W. 19th Ave., Spokane at 11:00 am.
Following Mass we will celebrate mom’s life - not quite an Irish wake but a proper send off is planned.
Bette was a life long liberal, a loyal Democrat and she possessed the finest of Irish wit.
Her enduring faith was a source of strength and comfort to her and those around her.
She was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
All who knew her will most dearly miss her endless beauty, graciousness and generosity.
Her seven-year-old great-grandson, upon hearing of her death proclaimed “She’s not gone, she’s in the clouds, she’s an angel now.”
Anyone who knew Bette knows that this is true.
She was, and will always be, her family’s “mother of perpetual help”.
Bette’s family wishes to thank her physician, Dr. Michael Parisot of Spokane for his years of compassionate care.
He added years to her life - and life to her years!
In lieu of flowers or donations, do something nice for someone and love those who are close to you.