Carmichael, Betty Riechel
Betty Riechel Carmichael, 94 passed away after a brief illness November 30, 2012 at her home in Kinneloa Canyon. In the days prior to her death she had been visited and loved by many family members and friends.
Betty was born Olga "Betty" Meri Brous on October 18, 1918 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Her father worked for the railroads, and for her high school graduation he gave her passage to California. Though she returned often to the Midwest, she lived in the
Pasadena area ever since. When Betty first arrived in Los Angeles, she worked as a secretary in Los Angeles, and went to work on the Red Car trolley line. That is how she met her future husband, Lowell Riechel who was a conductor.
Betty and Lowell made their home in Altadena where they raised two sons. During the early years, Betty ran one of the first licensed daycare centers in Pasadena. She later worked for the Pasadena Unified School District in a variety of administrative capacities, and continued working there after Lowell's death in 1982.
Betty was an active retiree. She enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly grandchildren and a great grand-son. She traveled extensively, visiting far off and exotic destinations in Asia, South America and Europe. She also had an active social life in Pasadena. She played bridge, belonged to the Pasadena PEO and was an active congregant at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church.
It was through the church's affiliation with Meals on Wheels that she met Lee Carmichael who would become her life partner and soul-mate. They were married in 1999. For 14 years, Betty and Lee were inseparable. They brought each other love, companionship and support.
Betty is survived by her husband, Lee Carmichael; sons William Riechel of Adelanto and Donald (Susan) Riechel of Flintridge; four grandchildren and one great grandson.
Memorial services will be held December 22nd at 11:00 am at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.
A memorial contribution may be made to Meals on Wheels, Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 54 North Oakland Ave, Pasadena, CA. 91101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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