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Betty Korsmo Obituary
Betty Jean (BJ Bus) KORSMO BJ Korsmo passed away on July 2, 2011, at home in Lake Forest Park with her loving husband by her side. BJ will be greatly missed by her husband Paul;her son Chris Heath; her grandchildren Eliana, Antonio, and Adelina; her father Frank Bus; her brother Dick Bus; her brother Ken Bus; and scores of people whose lives she touched. BJ was preceded in death by her mother Jean and sister Carol Ann. Born in 1946, BJ grew up in the Gregory Heights neighborhood of Burien. After graduating from Highline High School, BJ attended and graduated from the University of Washington. She will be remembered for her unique combination of athleticism, quirky humor, artistic talent, and abundant kindness. In addition to swimming competitively, BJ taught many neighborhood kids to swim and coached junior swim teams. Throughout adulthood, BJ played soccer several times a week, year round. Her teams traveled as far as Los Angeles and Las Vegas to play in soccer tournaments. Using her gifts for working with children, she served as 5th/6th grade teacher in the Northshore Alternative Program at Lockwood Elementary School for 22 years. Many of her students will remember her as the "biggest kid" in the class and the fun of field trips to Camp Casey and the San Juans. A family service was held on July 20, 2011 for BJ. Her family suggests that you raise a glass in memory of her delightful spirit. Sign BJ's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty Korsmo
Lynda Humphrey
August 1, 2024
BJ was strong, athletic, smart, kind and knew how to make learning meaningful and fun for students! Her spirit lives on in all of us who knew her! She was a dynamo who left us way too soon!
Andrea Miller
April 16, 2012
I was so lucky to have had her as a teacher for 5th and 6th grade and was just thinking about her again the other day - I am so sad to know that she is no longer a part of this world physically. Thank you to her family for allowing her to share so much of her wonderful spirit with those of us she touched! I raised a glass to her tonight - a glass filled with wine and love!!!
September 20, 2011
My condolences to her family, This is late as i just learned of her passing. I knew BJ while at Highline and again while working at University Village we bumped into each other while she attended school. She was a wonderful force of nature. A gentle Sunami whose energy levels rivaled anythging the AEC could produce.
I will miss her
Ken Stryker
Class of 1963
Pat Loftin
September 4, 2011
I was fortunate to serve as librarian at Lockwood and work with BJ. I will never forget the unique special assignments she suggested to her students. It was a true privilege to work with BJ. What a wonderful and unique person!!! My condolences to all her family!
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September 1, 2011
BJ was one of my favorite teaching colleagues, in part, because of her quirky sense of humor, in part, because she entrusted Chris to my class - a very brave move! BJ's zest for life was contageous, though I never had thoughts of emulating her soccer playing.
My condolences to Paul and Chris.
Steve McDuffee
August 25, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Bus family, expecially my friend Dick. I remember BJ as a warm and caring person. She will be missed.
Steve McDuffee
Dave Lockwood
August 23, 2011
BJ was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Lockwood Elementary. She was one of my favorites as she had a unique way of communicating her lessons to us all. I have great memories of her class and of her in general. One of those memories was when I was going to move away from Washington state after my 5th grade year, she gave me a hug and with tears in her eyes, she wished me the best of luck with all of my endeavors, it's not every teacher that gets on such a personal level. It's with a sad heart that I write this and I send my thoughts and prayers to her family. BJ will truly be missed.
corinne Ludy
August 16, 2011
oops! Just realized I signed my message with BJ's name - below is my original message:
When I think of BJ I remember her days teaching kids at Lockwood when I was the librarian there. She was such a wonderful inspiration for her students with her friendly smile and fondness for them along with her love of learning. Paul, I admire your loving support of her. We all miss her wonderful spirit. Memories of her friendship will remain with us always
August 14, 2011
BJ & I graduated together from Highline High School.I was shocked to read that she had passed away - much too soon!You so aptly described her.My annuals all have her drawings in them.She was so much fun to be around. I remember "skinny dipping" at midnight at a slumber party.She dated one of my friends from Lake Morton.I was disappointed she wasn't at the 40th reunion.I also played soccer (later in life) and would have loved to play with her.Thank you for the article. She looked exactly the same as in high school.I was also shocked that her beautiful sister had passed away.My dentist still remembers her in her bathing suit! Please accept my condolences. I wish I would have kept in touch with BJ.
Joanne Rowe Jordan
Julie Jonson
August 12, 2011
Ken you wrote a beautiful memory to your sister. I wish I'd know her. It sounds like you were a lot like her -warm, caring, and fun. My condolences to you and your family.
Betty Jean Korsmo
August 12, 2011
When I think of BJ I remember her days teaching kids at Lockwood when I was the librarian there. She was such a wonderful inspiration for her students with her friendly smile and fondness for them along with her love of learning. Paul, I admire your loving support of her. We all miss her wonderful spirit. Memories of her friendship will remain with us always
Sally Graham Hurt
August 10, 2011
My three girls were so fortunate to have BJ as their teacher while at Lockwood. She nurtured their spirits along with their curiosity, their self confidence, and full expression of who they are. I mostly so admired BJ's thirst for learning and the way she instilled this in the kids she taught. As my oldest daughter said, "I hope all our kids have a B.J.!"
Laurie Poertner (Howard)
August 10, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about BJ. She was one of my absolute favorite teachers. My favorite day of the school year was the last day, but not for obvious reasons but because it was student awards day. She would give each and every student an award on the last day that symbolized their journey that year. I remember both of mine from 5th and 6th grade. The first was a tiny toy table with a bunch of multiplication problems on it because I aced my times tables that year. The next year I was the narrator in the Island of the Scog play that we put on and I agonized over memorizing so many lines! She gave me the giant cardboard boat we built for the play and I had to carry it home on the bus and it barely fit through the door. :) She was a remarkable teacher that left footprints on hundreds of kid's hearts. I am so glad she was a part of my life.
August 9, 2011
Paul, Ken and Frank,
I grew up next door with BJ in our Gregory Hieghts neighborhood. She was five or so years older than me, and I adored her. I'm so sorry to hear of her leaving us, but what a mark she must have made.
Paul Bennett
Steve Anderson
August 9, 2011
So sorry to hear of BJ's passing. We went to Sylvester Jr High and Highline High together. I remember us laughing a lot, and getting in trouble for doing so!
Gary & Thanne Summerson
August 9, 2011
My husband and I graduated from Highline with BJ. We haven't seen her since then but remember her very well and send our sympathy to her family. She was always so fun.
Gary & Thanne Summerson (Winterer)
Lynda Humphrey
August 9, 2011
When I think of BJ I just smile. It is so true, she was a delightful person. As one of the several principals at Lockwood who worked with BJ, I found her always to be extremely resourceful. One day we were conducting an impromptu experiment with some of the children and we needed an egg. BJ said, "Just a minute!" Out she went to her car and came back with an egg! I was amazed! So were the kids! I still remember that at least 20 years later! She was very creative and always worked to help the children learn with hands-on, interactive learning...and tried to link it to meaning in their lives. BJ added much to others and to this place on our planet. She is missed by many. She is remembered by many. Thank you Paul, for taking such good care of our BJ. May her delightful spirit live in each of us!
Lynda Humphrey
August 9, 2011
When I think of BJ I just smile. She was such a delightful person
Alan Berner
August 9, 2011
BJ, I miss your basic goodness and you were a great compliment to my brother Paul's spirit and life. Your son Chris is the greatest credit you can take and your effect on everyone that knew you is remarkable. It was impossible not to like you. You'll never be forgotten.
Crystal Schue
August 8, 2011
My older brother had BJ as a 6th grade teacher at Lockwood, and I couldn't wait to have her as mine a few years later. She was one of my favorite teachers, in all my years of school (college included). Her humor was a gift to us, and her smile was contagious. Thanks for being so memorable, BJ! You'll be missed!
Vicki Jung (Grossman)
August 8, 2011
BJ made a difference in so many lives. It's hard to imagine her not being here. Her dedication and commitment in teaching at NAP program was so valuable to the many kids' lives she touched. I feel my two kids were very blessed to have had her as their teacher. I remember doing a sex education mini-course in the classroom with her. It got a little out of control and we closed the curtains! Fond and funny memory! My heart goes out to each of you in the family, as you work through your grief in losing her. She will be missed.
Bruce Titus
August 8, 2011
I met BJ through her husband Paul who I knew from a consulting firm called URS. At one time I even rented a house from BJ and Paul years back. I remember BJ's sense of humor and love for soccer. My wife Carol and I express our condolences.
Norma Patterson
August 8, 2011
Thanks for sharing BJ's obituary. It was special to see her picture as she once was, a very great lady.
Pat Boroughs
August 8, 2011
Though I remember BJ as Carol Ann's younger sister, I send my thoughts and prayers to each of you in the Bus/Korsmo family. I grew up in Gregory Heights, went to St. Francis of Assisi elementary school and our families were connected over the years.
Peace dear BJ.
Mirjana Milosavljevic
August 8, 2011
BJ was my 6th grade teacher at Lockwood, and one of favorite teachers in the NAP program. She will be greatly missed by all of us Lockwood kids!!
Mary Jo Leonardson (Pospisil)
August 8, 2011
To all of BJ's family,
Growing up as a Gregory Heights neighbor and classmate of BJ's I first met her in 6th grade. As so many have said she had a wit and sense of humor that is rarely found. She kept us laughing in junior high and we even got into some light hearted mischief. I remember all the fun we had skiing together as well. She brought a lot of joy and great memories to all of us in the Highline HS, class of '64. Over the last few years I would get updates about her from he sister-in-law and was so sorry to hear of her struggles. I know how much her family cared for her and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sue Kienast
August 7, 2011
Four of our kids had BJ as their teacher at Lockwood and in later years, along with Paul, we enjoyed her company at our Derby parties. What a great woman and a wonderful man. The whole Kienast family will miss BJ, but will always remember her fondly and with love.
Susan Austin
August 7, 2011
BJ and I were roommates our first year at the U. We sure had fun. Her sense or humor was "quirky" even then. Someone asked her what BJ stood for. she said it was for Betty Jean, which was short for Elizabeth Jeanette, and then went on to say that her father was the inventor of Bus Bumps, those round white reflective things imbedded in the roadway as lane dividers. To this day I still refer to them as Bus Bumps! I'm sorry we lost touch with each other, but I will always remember her with great fondness and an even greater smile.
Brandi Aubrey
August 7, 2011
What a loss! She was my favorite teacher when I was at Lockwood. She will be greatly missed!
Jeanne (Lundgren) Mazzoni
August 7, 2011
Each time I walked into BJ's classroom at Lockwood, I found her students involved in so many interesting things. They seemed so happy to be in her class, and her warm style of working with them made the environment perfect for that age group. BJ had an easy-going nature, and a quick smile. She will be missed by many.
Jamil Scarberry
August 7, 2011
BJ was part of all of us who shared time with her. I remember her so well, and will continue to keep the best parts of her in those memories alive with me. All our love BJ...
Mr&Mrs Patrick Rooney
August 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our daughters loved BJ as their teacher at Lockwood.
August 7, 2011
One more bright star shining down on all of us. Thinking of you all. BJ was a truly special person.
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