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Bev Contris Obituary
Our beloved mother, Bev Contris, passed away peacefully at Saint Peter's Hospital on May 18. She was born to Nelvin and Ann Kjorlaug on September 5, 1925 in Fargo, ND.
In June of 1942 she traveled with her aunt Sal to Olympia to visit her cousin Dotta for the summer, planning to return in August. She got a job at the Daily Olympian and decided to stay and finish her senior year at Olympia High School.
Eventually she met and married the love of her life, Mike Contris, who was a writer for the Daily Olympian and a professor at St. Martin's College. They were married in 1946 and raised their 5 sons in Olympia. Mike passed away in 1985.
The most important thing to mom was her family. We had many large family gatherings at the family home over the years.
Bev is survived by her 5 sons, all of the Olympia area, Michael Jr. (Yvonne), Stephen (Kim), Mark, Greg and Dan (Lisa). Bev also had 7 grandchildren, Kyle, Stacey, Rachel, Dylan, Ashley, Laura and Alisa, and 1 great-granddaughter, Ahrianna. She is also survived by her devoted sister-in-law Kaye Kjorlaug of Tumwater, and many relatives and friends that she loved dearly.
Her parents and beloved brother Tom preceded her in death and her dear friends Norma Lynch and Dr. Les Bailey passed away recently.
Bev's service will be at 11:00 AM on June 1 at Mills & Mills Memorial Park. Please visit http:// www.millsandmillsfunerals.com to view photographs and leave condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bev Contris
Dan Contris
June 16, 2011
Along with brother Mike and Steve's eloquent words spoken at mom's service, here's what I shared:
Thanks to all of you that came to celebrate our mom’s life.
I’m Dan Contris, the youngest of her 5 sons.
This is a very hard time for all of us. The person that was always there for us, that we could always count on, that always lit up when we saw her is gone.
But we find comfort knowing that she is not suffering anymore. We also find comfort knowing that she’s with all that loved her that had gone before her.
I’m sure our Dad is just now letting her go so others can have some time with her! There’s her parents “Dat” and “Mimi”, her brother Tom, her aunts and uncles, her best friend Norma Lynch and Dr. Les Bailey both that passed away recently. I’m also sure our cats, Missy and Dumb-Dumb are trying to get time in her lap.
And although I’m very sad, I’m able to balance the grief with so many wonderful, rich and warm memories of our mother that will carry me through my lifetime.
Mom touched so many lives, some she did not even realize.
For example, about 6 months ago I went to Walgreens to pick up some of her medications. The pharmacist told me how much she and the other staff thought of mom, that she was a great lady and they all loved her.
I don’t know if I told mom that, but that was typical for her. Even when she was sick recently and at a rest home, all of the staff warmed to her.
She didn’t complain and she always said “thank you”.
Of course my earliest memories include mom. Growing up on Percival with the Contris Clan is something I will always cherish.
You may not believe it, but when I was young mom ruled the house with an iron fist. We did what we were told. One day my friend Bob Davis came over but I did not ask to have him visit first. Bob remembered my mom chasing me around the house with a belt, I think I remember it but when I asked mom she said it never happened. I’m not so sure.
Things changed though when we became teenagers.
Some think it’s not good to be the youngest, but I found it very helpful because my parents were just worn out by the time I became a teenager.
But no matter what we did, we were always accepted. We always knew we had family behind us, no question. This was a tremendous gift given to each of us.
And although I made plenty of mistakes, never once did Mom turn her back on me. She always cared for me and most importantly she always loved me, unconditionally.
When our father passed away in April of 1985 and mom’s mother, “Mimi”, our grandmother a few weeks later, we were all racked with grief.
I became very concerned for my mom. How would she cope with the tremendous loss? What would the future bring for her?
She never ceased to amaze me. Being the worry wart that she was (which I inherited from her), I did not know how she would get through all of it.
She amazed me time and time again. Moving out of the family home on Percival, moving several times and then ending up at Olympics West about a year ago. A place that she loved, especially her “table mates” and other residents and staff.
I truly recognized her strength though at the Saint Peter’s Hospital. After her surgery the recovery was just too much for her and so she decided to stop her dialysis treatment.
She knew what this meant for her because her doctor had explained it to us.
And even though she was the worrier, she amazed me by never once doubting, fretting or second-guessing her decision after she had made her decision. Being Mom, she was more concerned with all of us.
This was her strength and faith. I then realized just how strong my mother was, and I admire her even more if that’s possible.
I hope I’m blessed with even a quarter of her strength and faith.
She was there for all of the important times in my life: When I graduated from college, when I married Lisa, and she was there when both of our children, Rachel and Laura were born.
I took her to the hospital just after Rachel’s daughter, her great granddaughter, Ahrianna Michelle was born last June.
She adored Ahrianna and just could not get enough of her. You’ll see pictures of mom and Ahri in the slideshow.
So again thanks to all of you for helping celebrate mom today. She loved you all so much.
My Aunt Kaye Kjorlaug that took such good care of her, her friends at Olympics West, Margeret Dockertery, Pat Goldsby, and all of those she’s known throughout the years.
I also want to thank the family of Norma Lynch. They were so helpful, offering to stay with mom the night she died. My brother Mark stayed with mom, she passed away at 1:45 AM on May 18.
And of course thanks to Father Kilian for helping with her service. He’s always been a close family friend. Mom asked him to do her service and the family is very grateful.
The thing that mom gave me that I cherish the most are my four brothers, Mike Jr., Steve, Mark and my twin brother Greg. They too have always been there for me, never turning their backs on me.
I love them all dearly. We are a close family. We all live here in town and I think that’s because of the importance of each other in the family. Mom taught us well how important family is.
I too find comfort knowing that in each of us, our children and our children’s children mom continues to shine on this earth.
Dan Contris
June 2, 2011
The Contris family also would like to thank all that attended Mom's service. She was pleased to see you there, you were all very important to her.
Heartfelt thanks also to Father Kilian Malvey for the wonderful service. We're sure Mom was pleased.
Oh, and did you notice that Mom held off the rain until just after her service? Just Mom once again looking out for all around her! :)
Dan Contris
June 2, 2011
The Contris Family would like to thank the staff of Mills and Mills for the wonderful service they provided for our mother. The service was perfect and even the weather cooperated. Thank you
Bev laid to rest by her sons and oldest grandson
June 1, 2011
Rachel Contris
June 1, 2011
I lov you Grandma Bev and so does Ahrianna. I am very sad to see you go. You were a wonderful grandma and great grandma. I remember coming over Thursday nights and we always got to have ice cream sitting on the blanket in the living room. This isn't good bye because I know I will see you again. I love you.
June 1, 2011
Dan - We just want to express our condolences and let you know you are in our thoughts during this period of grief. Take solace in the knowlege that the sorrow and pain will fade and fond memories will remain to sustain you in the future. Be strong.
Harriet and Ferd
Linda Harding-Harvey
June 1, 2011
To all the Contris Brothers and their families: I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your sweet Mother and my cousin, Beverly. I don’t remember a time that Bev wasn’t involved in my life in some way. I have wonderful memories of the many trips we took “Out West” from Texas and all the good times we spent with the Contris and Kjorlaug families. In recent years, my husband David and I both enjoyed our visits to Olympia and were both so pleased to have had the opportunity to spend time with Bev and how welcome she made us feel. She always had a special knack for remembering our favorite foods and drinks and went out of her way to prepare them for us. This is what she took the most pride in – taking care of her family and friends. I know your hearts are heavy now, but I pray you will find comfort in the days ahead as you remember and cherish Bev’s life. We will miss her but know that she is at peace. Much love to you all, Linda and David Harvey
June 1, 2011
On behalf of the entire Lee family
Christine Curtis
May 31, 2011
Yvonne,
I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Please give my condolences to your husband and your family. Bev was such a nice person and we will all miss her smile.
Sincerely,
Christine Curtis
(formerly Lougheed)
Greg
May 31, 2011
Bev thank you. Being part of this family was such a blessing. What you showed me was so valuble, I will follow it for the rest of my life. Thank you for letting me be part of the best family I could have been a part of. I Love you BOTH and I will be with you again one day. And Bev thanks for letting me call you Bev. Thanks for my brothers and how we feel about our family, how lucky can we be.
Janis Priest
May 30, 2011
I have only known Bev for a short time, since October 2010 when I started working at Olymics West; but during that time I was blessed by her smile and her life! She was loved by all.
James Harding
May 30, 2011
My mother and Beverly's mother were sisters. I have very fond memories of visiting Beverly & all of our "Olympia Family" many times while growing up in Texas. I am very glad that my wife Rhona got to know Beverly & Mike and Bev's mother, Ann. We share the sadness of Bev's passing with all of the Contris cousins & Kjorlaug cousins & their children, and Bev's many friends. Jim & Rhona Harding
Mark Contris
May 29, 2011
Mom its so hard to say good-bye,You and Dad filled me with nothing but great memories.I feel so lucky to have had such great parents. Love you !
Mark
Nancy and Jim White
May 29, 2011
Goodbye to a very special person who was loved by many. Until we meet again...
Mom when Jimmy and Rhona visited from Texas
May 29, 2011
Jimmy, Dan and Mom at the state capital
May 29, 2011
Puzzle that Mom and Rhona put together
May 29, 2011
Marcy Yates
May 29, 2011
Dan and Mike,
We were sorry to read of your mother's passing. Wishing you comforting thoughts and happy memories of her during this sorrowful time.
Marcy & Dick Yates
May 29, 2011
Dan and Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Bev was one of the nicest, most positive people I have ever known. I will miss her smiling face and greeting.
Sincerely,
Chris Curtis
Kyle & Andrea Contris
May 28, 2011
I am so thankful to have had such a wonderful grandmother. She gave me so much love and so many fun childhood memories.
Grandma Bev's love, care and commitment to her family was both comforting and inspiring. She will be greatly missed, but will forever be in our hearts.
steve contris
May 27, 2011
Bye Mom,
I will forever fondly remember growing up with you and Dad and all of us and the whole gang on Percival street at Club 129.
Steve
Taggart Family
May 26, 2011
We will miss that smile and Those Cookies
Dianna Shank
May 25, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I am one of the students who was able to continue at St Martin's because of the Contris Scholarship (1989). I appreciated that opportunity so much -- Mrs. Contris' letter to me when I thanked her was so kind and encouraging. Your family is in my thoughts.
John McLain
May 25, 2011
I have such good memories of your mother and grandmother. I am sorry for your loss. You remain much in my thoughts.
Sweet 16
Steve Contris
May 25, 2011
Kathy Andresen
May 25, 2011
To the Contris Family...I have so many wonderful memories of times shared with your family - I recall a time when I was around 20, I came to grill Bev for family history about my father, Carl H. Andresen...that was so long ago, but I will always remember her kindly trying to help me...and all of the wonderful memories of times our families spent together. My heart is with you.
May 24, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to the Contris family.
Sincerly, The Seward family.
Grandma Bev and Rachel
Dan Contris
May 24, 2011
May 24, 2011
We are so sorry to lose this dear sweet lady, but she finished her work on earth , leaves behind a fine family, and has gone on to be with the love of her life. Harriet and Billl Fuller, Olympia (Vonnie's aunt and uncle).
Anna Misner
May 24, 2011
Dan and Lisa, I am sorry for your loss. You are both in our prayers at this difficult time.
[email protected]
Kathy Word
May 24, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a very sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers to you.
Dan Contris
May 23, 2011
I miss you so much mom. It was very hard to let you go but I know you're in a better place with all that love you. My love for you always.
Mom and great granddaughter Ahri
Dan Contris
May 23, 2011
Mom and great granddaughter Ahrianna
Dan Contris
May 23, 2011
Bev's high school graduation picture
Dan Contris
May 23, 2011
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