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Elizabeth Bacon Obituary
Elizabeth (Betty) Bacon, one of the most influential and dynamic advocates for the rights of people with disabilities in San Diego and California for more than 30 years, passed away unexpectedly due to illness Sunday, February 24, 2008, in San Diego. She was 61. Before her retirement in 2004, Betty worked for 29 years at San Diego State University, serving as Director of Disabled Student Services (DSS) for 25 years and for four years in the Office of Diversity and Equity, demonstrating leadership in the formulation of policies that affect SDSU employees and visitors to the campus. Betty became involved with disability issues after she sustained a spinal cord injury in 1968 as the result of a sporting accident. She used a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She subsequently completed a B.A. and Masters Degree in counseling at San Jose State University. She became interested in the development of the support services program for disabled students at San Jose State University. That involvement marked the beginning of a professional career for this petite, passionate, effective advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Soon after in 1975, Betty moved to San Diego to direct the DSS program at San Diego State University. She took over a fledgling program serving about 100 students with disabilities. The office was in the old Campus Laboratory School, in space that had formerly housed the kitchen for the school cafeteria. Under her direction, the program grew from a staff of two to 15 full-time employees and numerous part-time staff which now serves over 1,100 students annually. Betty's on-campus responsibilities also included consulting with staff in Facilities Planning and Physical Plant on architectural accessibility to ensure compliance with state and federal codes and regulations. When the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, Betty coordinated the required campus self-evaluation. The SDSU program, which she directed, became a model for many others and she was often called upon as a mentor and guide to other Directors of programs for students with disabilities in higher education. In her campus work, she was a tireless advocate for an accessible campus and for equal access for students with disabilities to all university programs. In addition to developing the DSS program at SDSU, Betty was involved at the system-wide and state level. She served as the chair of the California State University DSS Directors, as a member of the CSU Chancellors Office Advisory Committee on Services for Students with Disabilities, and on a similar committee on Services for Faculty and Staff with Disabilities. Some of her additional accomplishments include: -- Serving on a variety of local boards and advisory committees to the City and County addressing such issues as architectural accessibility, access to public transportation and employment. -- Serving as an elected delegate to the 1977 National White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. -- Founding Board Member of Community Service Center for the Disabled, now Access to Independence, in San Diego, one of the largest independent living centers in the country. Betty was appointed by Governor Wilson to the California Department of Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, and served as an advisor to the Office of the State Architect on code revisions. She also served as an executive committee member of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability. In addition, she served on the Citizens Review Committee on ADA for the City of San Diego, as a member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee to the Port of San Diego, as a program evaluator at San Diego City College and several other community colleges. Betty went toe-to-toe with the oil industry to make gas pumps accessible, the housing industry over universal design, MTS on making the trolleys accessible, and the Mayor's Office on creating and sustaining a disability services position at City Hall. Betty was always positive and respectful as well as tireless, knowledgeable, and tenacious in her dedication to an accessible community that is welcoming to everyone. In her own words, "I believe that we must work toward a world and a community that includes us all and values our differences." Predeceased by her parents, Dr. Alfons R. and Dorothy Bacon, she is survived by her twin sister Ellen (and Scott) Guthrie of Tallahassee, Florida, brother Chuck (and Caroline) Bacon of Falmouth, Massachusetts, sister Nancy (and David) Rothel of Dahlonega, Georgia, brother Frank (and AnnLiv) Bacon of Edina, Minnesota, brother Jim (and Jane) Chandler of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and niece Laura Wiley of Raleigh, North Carolina as well as numerous close friends and colleagues in San Diego, California, and nationwide who will all miss her wisdom, positive spirit, dedication, friendship and love. Betty loved nature, and felt strongly that the Earth must be cared for and protected so that all persons, including people with disabilities, might enjoy and thrive on our planet. As a result, she expressed a desire that in lieu of flowers any donations in her name be sent to the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, or the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. A Celebration of Betty's Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at the Town and County Resort & Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North (at Fashion Valley Road) in Mission Valley.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Bacon
Sponsored by Nora Navarrete, San Diego, CA. 92110.
Michael Jablonski
April 4, 2009
Well it looks like this guestbook will be closing soon.
Betty you know you are on my mind and in my heart forever. I miss you baby.
Love you Forever,
P.S. Lilo is doing fine, I'm taking good care of her as you requested. :-)
Belinda Karge
April 19, 2008
Betty was an inspiration and support to me. Each semester from 1990 to 1996 she would come and speak in the Disabilities and Society Course I taught. My prayers are with all of her loved ones.
Mike Cheney
April 18, 2008
Betty was a good friend. She was always inspirational, positive, and wouldn’t give up on anybody. She kept her Gremlin for way too long, and I had to keep it running for her. Not because she did not want a new car, but because she could not give up on her old friend (the car). I will remember her.
Barby McKown
April 14, 2008
We certainly do live in a better place thanks to all that Betty has done in this world. What a tribute to her. It was great to see her at our SHS reunion in 2005. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Barby McKown, Sarasota
Charly
April 5, 2008
As I read the words in this guest book it's obvious that Betty Bacon touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her. The numerous sentiments expressed here attest to her exceptional abilities and her humanity. I can relate to the loss her friends feel because even though I only met her once--and spoke with her a couple of times on the phone--I miss her to an extent that is unusual for someone whom I knew so little and so briefly. She passed away too quickly for most of her good friends to say "good bye". She passed away too quickly for me to have said a genuine "hello". I never really got to know Betty but during the few hours of our acquaintance I experienced her humor, her wit and her wisdom. She was the sort of woman who could make lemonade from lemons and turn a stumbling block into a stepping stone. She could give courage because she had courage. She could give love because she possessed love. She left fond footprints on the souls of her friends which can never be erased.
“Congratulations, Betty! This world is a better place because you were in it. Thank you so much for your work, your talent for listening, your creative solutions, and your ability to persuade. Thanks most of all for your love. We are grateful and we will remember.”
HJ Desy
April 5, 2008
Our family moved in next door to Betty in 1986, and we've been friends as well as neighbors since. She's watched our two kids (Robbie and Sarah) grow up, and we all have had the gift of knowing her.
We would usually all walk next door for Betty's famous New Year's Eve parties (which was also her birthday) and hang out with so many really neat people that are her friends.
We're sad that we all lost such a beautiful friend, so full of gentleness, humanity and love.
We feel special to have known her.
Mark Matsui
April 4, 2008
Betty made a difference in the lives of so many people including my own. Her spirit lives on in all of us as we continue our work guided by her teachings and contributions to our society. I will miss my old friend.
Madeline Salocks
March 30, 2008
I consider it the greatest privilege to have had Betty as a cousin and a friend, and will always treasure the memories of times we spent together.
I don’t think I have known anyone more gentle and gracious with at the same time such strength and determination, and it’s impossible to know how many lives were and will continue to be made better because of her. And yet since she was so modest about her accomplishments, I didn’t actually know the complete extent until reading this obituary.
Even in the course of the most casual conversation, Betty invariably had something wise to offer and inspire, and I always came away feeling uplifted in some way.
It’s difficult to find adequate words for this loss.
Kim Bartlett
March 28, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of Betty's passing. Like many others I knew Betty through my work with CSCD and later with the CSU system. Betty constantly amazed me with her knowledge of the issues and her seemingless boundless energy. She left a mark on this world that will have an impact for generations. My condolences to her family and friends.
Kea Herron
March 27, 2008
I was fortunate to meet Betty when she was visiting her sister, Ellen, and Ellen's husband Scott, in Tallahassee, summer of 2005. Ellen and Scott are my dear friends and neighbors. That evening, they spontaneously invited me to join them for dinner to celebrate Stephen Best, my Life-Sweetheart, who had just died suddenly a few days earlier. Betty make a mark on me that night, gently appeasing my grief. Her loving concern and warmth, just like her sister's, helped me cope for one more day, and then another, and then another. Thanks to this event, my sweet San Diego friend, Aissa, in great need of emotional support and friendship at that time, was able to meet Betty. Betty's reaching out to Aissa, and allowing Aissa to lend a bit of a hand to her, was a great gift to my friend Aissa, and therefore another huge gift to me. I see through the obituaries and the guest book entries that Betty's love, generosity, creativity, and persistence have radiated like sunshine throughout and beyond San Diego, and will continue to affect people most marvelously and indefinitely. I am sorry she is gone but grateful she has been here!
Kea
Alice Reed Lanford
March 27, 2008
My highschool days are filled with memories of the Bacon Twins. Betty was so smart and fiesty, I knew then she would make the world a better place and her life is surely a testimony to that. Even at our 40th high school reunion she was a special "hoot". Thanks for the memories and the twins will always have a special place in Mason's and my heart. Ellen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Resh
March 27, 2008
What wonderful accomplishments Betty made during her very full filled time on this blue sphere. I was so sorry to hear of Betty's passing but so glad to have been able to see her at our 40th SHS school reunion. What a legacy she leaves. My condolences to all her family and friends. May God's peace be with each of you at this difficult time.
Susan Hinkle Chapman
March 26, 2008
I was fortunate enough to have known Betty since high school. She was a lovely girl who became a lovely, accomplished woman. How sad to hear of her death. Susan Hinkle Chapman
MJ Honey
March 24, 2008
3/24/2008 7:02 PM
I am too choked up with emotion to make an intelligent comment.
I can only say
Betty you are sorely missed and your work here is only a sample of what you will do at the lords side.
_ (ô¿ ô) .God bless
^ [email protected]..'
Poppy De Marco Dennis
March 23, 2008
Betty truly made a huge and lasting difference in this earth and world. Her spirit lives on, and a part of her lives on in each of us that was touched and influenced by her work. We will miss her!
Christina Mills-Hovious
March 22, 2008
Betty was not only an activist, but one of the most loving and motivating advocates I had ever met! I was always so impressed with the way she could advocate for our rights without making it person. I appriciate and will miss all of the great things Betty for our community.
Yours in the movement,
Bud Sayles
March 21, 2008
How moving it is to read through the heartfelt messages of those who have shared their thoughts and in many cases their very hearts. Betty was about touching hearts and minds, whether at work, out advocating for change, at a board meeting, or just sitting with her many friends. She has touched so many and will live on in our words and deeds. So, let's make her proud and advocate for what's right as she did and would be doing today but for her passing. We'll do it for you Betty, you certainly taught us how.
With love and respect,
Judy Osman
March 21, 2008
What? Betty was quiet during high school? The Betty I know was a strong vocal advocate for students. She was a patient teacher who helped me understand the issues facing students with disabilities so that I would be a more effective advocate at the systemwide level. With fairness, compassion, and determination, Betty made sure I never slacked on my responsibilities, and concomitantly, helped whoever I sent her way for guidance. Most importantly, it is because of her efforts and others that students have opportunities to succeed in our system.
Cheers to you, Betty! You made a difference in many lives...including mine.
Patricia Yeager
March 21, 2008
Oh Betty, how you will be missed! When I was a newcomer to San Diego-coming in to run the former Community Services Center of San Diego (now Access 2 Services)- you made the way easier for me! You were so gracious and open to change for the organization that started in your garage. You always had answers and guidance to any question I had. We shared so many laughs about the process of life and I loved your insights. You knew how to have a good time and how to create change too! I am so grateful to have been able to learn from you.
Sue Peters
March 20, 2008
I am so sad to learn of Betty's passing. I have fond memories of hanging out at the Bacon's home and swimming in the pool. We graduated from high school in the class of 1965. I'm so glad I got to see her at our 40th reunion.
Julianne Henry
March 19, 2008
Betty was one of San Diego's true assets -- always willing to help, seemingly tireless. She will be greatly missed by all who had the priviledge or luck to know and/or work with her.
David Sanfilippo
March 18, 2008
Betty, you have captured our hearts and minds...you have taught us much through your wisdom and your example. I'm pretty sure that angels in heaven are dazzled by your "flashing chrome".. We will see you again, my friend.
William Mulvaney
March 18, 2008
I also knew Betty from high school. Even though she was quiet, she had a "joy of life" and a can-do attitude which helped her turn her unfortunate accident into a positive in her life and devotion to her work. She will be sorely missed. She may have been small in stature but was a giant in life.
Gregory Harrison
March 17, 2008
Hello
I am sorry that Betty passed away. I new Betty from CDR. Betty had a lot to offer. I am going to miss her
Pat and Roger Burkardt
March 17, 2008
I read all of the curent "expressions" of loss concerning Betty Bacon and tho I knew only for a short time I must say I was aware of her wonderful works as well as her wonderful personality. My husband, Roger and I met her and her very dear friend, Michael, when they visited our home and , in Betty's words: "Our chowder of cats". They came to pick out a kitten to love. The best and most memorable moment of their visit was after she had chosen her kitten and she was playing with our little kitten who had lost her eye was when we explained she was "handicapped" she said to us with one of her most famous smiles: " I think it's a MATCH!" and she took her home along with Daisy-Mae! That's just the way she was, isn't it?? Blessings to all her family and friends. Patand Roger.
Don Fenlason
March 17, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. Betty was a leader, advocate and friend. I feel privileged to have known and worked with her. She had a large impact on this area, which will be hard to replace.
The world will be less with out her, but fortunate to have been blessed with her presence. God Bless you Betty.
John R. Johnson
March 17, 2008
Dearest Betty,
You are gone...but not really...and not ever. So much you have done. You are the example of "Love all, Serve all". You were the example to follow, to learn from and to be. Your love and service were your strengths and your legacy. So, my tears are not of grief but of the joy, the love, the care and understanding that you gave me and many others. While your absence is an immense loss, what you gave will endure forever...in this way you are always with us. We may have lost a confidant and an advocate for justice but you are always with us.
I thank you for showing me that compassion and care for all, even those who would cause harm is the right path.
I thank you for your leadership, your honesty, integrity and dogged determination to pursue what your heart told you was the truth and the right way. I thank you for your willingness to go on when we faltered. I know that you expect us to carry on your work/our work and so we will. You always carried a message of hope and understanding.
I pray you guide us in our endeavors; I ask you remind us to act intelligently with love and patience; and above all, to remind us that we must be the example that you were.
I wish you infinite love and grace on your new life and journey.
John
Dennis Cannon
March 17, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Betty many years ago in CAPH. She will be missed.
Norma Clark
March 17, 2008
Betty was remarkable in de-stressing problem situations related to properties with disabilities' issues. Her mixture of intelligence, knowledge, wisdom and common sense was presented with a smile and grace. A day with Betty in it was always a better day. She will be missed greatly.
Anthony Tusler
March 17, 2008
For me, Betty was the thread through my life. From days when we were students figuring out how we were going to get a job to our long careers in the California State University system. We wanted and we got jobs that allowed us to be disability activists. We got to bring our activism to the creation of disability services in the CSU. And we spent many long hours figuring out, sometimes arguing, about the best ways to make students with disabilities full participants on the campuses.
I owe my current life to her. In the spring of 1975 Sonoma State College posted a half time disability services position. Betty wanted the job. Fortunately, she generously felt that because of my advocacy on the campus that I should get it. She didn't apply and thankfully got the job at San Diego State. I spent the next 22 years at Sonoma.
She was a part of that first wave of disability activists on the campuses. I will miss her deeply.
Barbara Huntington
March 17, 2008
Betty was always there for me and my students. We will miss her.
Rusty Krumm
March 17, 2008
We’ve lost some significant soldiers in the disabled community recently, and Betty was the General we all followed. Without Betty, the disabled community has lost its most influential leader; nevertheless, we’re all better advocates and individuals because of her. Thank you Betty.
Debra Fischle-Faulk
March 17, 2008
Betty was a remarkable being! She touched everyone she met in a very positive way. She was a quiet, respected and effective leader. I feel fortunate to have met and worked with her.
Laura Williams
March 16, 2008
Betty will be sorely missed for her advocacy, her determination for justice and independence, her delightful humor and her gentle and loving soul. Our community is a better place for her contributions - and we will forever be a better community for the time she shared with us. Condolences to her family and friends, we grieve with you.
Laura Williams
Californians for Disability Rights, Inc.
www.disabilityrights-cdr.org
Susan Chandler
March 16, 2008
Betty was a truly effective advocate. I first met her through CAPH--now CDR. I always enjoyed her spirit and energy. She was very astute about access and insisted on disability inclusion in all aspects of life. She was a perfect roll model for indepent living! I miss her. already
Peter Margen
March 16, 2008
I remember serving with Betty on committees working on code changes to increase accessibility for people with disabilities to the built environment. Betty had an uncanny ability with language, often providing the “save” compromise or the right word that everyone else was looking for. Her talents and enthusiasm will be missed!
Pam Hoye
March 16, 2008
My story will be repeated by many, for Betty touched and helped in the transformation of countless lives. For me, this meant a move from Fresno to San Diego in August 1976. I'd come to San Diego in January of that year, to explore the possibility of relocating. I had been advised by a mutual friend to "see Betty".
In later years Betty would occasionally refer to me as "one of her students." While this was not entirely the case (I had graduated from Fresno State the year before), it might as well have been! Betty gave me the support and provided the necessary connections to make my move possible, just as she did for her newly arriving students coming to test their wings at SDSU. When I made my move in August I had an apartment, a job, and a team of personal assistants waiting for me! Not long after my move, she helped me acquire what I would call my first "Betty Bacon wheelchair", a chair that was custom fitted to me instead of standard hospital issue.
During the next 30 years Betty and I would share the same circles from time to time. But I feel that our friendship really only matured in recent years, when we set aside advocacy and found ourselves having occasional heart-to-heart talks about our common spiritual outlooks, perspectives on human nature, and experiences with men. Betty came to both of my recent annual birthday bashes, a new tradition which will be missing something from now on.
Betty Bacon, a great lady, a great friend, a great advocate for good.
Nora Navarrete
March 16, 2008
Betty Bacon was a mover and shaker for all people but especially so for the physically challenged. She served all people by helping to create laws that allowed people using wheelchairs better access to buildings, schools, hiking paths,etc.
Virginia Aldape introduced me to Betty Bacon back in August 1982. Through the years Betty's been a good friend, always ready to suggest yet another way of thinking or looking at a problem. She was always open to meeting and creating new friends.
Lately, I'd been going over to visit with her after church on Saturday or Sunday. We'd have dinner and talk about life and daily events. The last time we visited she was remembering having a good life growing up as a kid. I want to remember Betty that way.
Mostly, I'll remember Betty with a great big smile on her face and her arms up high above her head shaking away on the dance floor having great fun with friends.
Catherine Campisi
March 16, 2008
Betty Bacon was a consummate professional and dedicated advocate for all people with disabilities. She developed and ran a highly
successful, large and effective Disabled Student Services program and thus was often called on by professional organizations, both CAPED and AHEAD, to provide guidance, leadership, and assistance to others and to the profession as a whole. Betty rarely took the limelight in high profile roles but provided insightful, highly accurate, and
current information and assistance in whatever areas she took on. In
addition, Betty saw so clearly the need for a connection between a
welcoming and accessible campus and a welcoming and accessible
community. She was a leader in the San Diego disability community
since her arrival there in the mid 1970's. Before there was an
independent living center there, everyone was sent to "see Betty
Bacon', if you were new in town and needed help. I was one of those
people. From our first meeting, began a dear lifelong friendship,
close collegial fellowship, and strong advocacy partnership. Betty's
charisma and friendliness attracted many to her in such ways and I am only one of the lucky ones she touched closely for over thirty
years. San Diego, California, and nationwide, Betty is being mourned
and missed. While this is natural, she would want us to use her passing to renew our commitment to a world that welcomes all people, where we know and believe our diversity is our strength, where we care for our planet and it's natural beauty, and most of all, we care for each other. In that spirit, we celebrate Betty and make that re-commitment in her name for all she did for thousands of students, people with disabilities, and the profession.
Catherine Campisi
Joanne Sharp
March 16, 2008
Dennis and I are so fortunate to have known and worked with Betty for many years. Losing her creates a big hole in our lives that will remain empty- she was a truly remarkable person. Betty taught us so many things, especially that a soft voice can often achieve more than a loud one!
Godspeed, Betty.
Suzanne Chappellet
March 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathy for your loss, Betty will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her. . . .
March 16, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Paula Beckman
March 16, 2008
No words can express how I felt when I heard the news. You will be forever missed. I just wish I could be half the woman Betty was. Her courage will always be an inspiration to me.
Ann Johns
March 16, 2008
Betty was an outstanding advocate for students. San Diego State was very lucky to have her for so many years!
Julie & Randy Long
March 16, 2008
Betty did have such remarkable accomplishments of which to be so very proud. Randy remembers Betty as being very quiet in high school, so with her later unkind, life changing injury she really blossomed into such creative & powerful assertiveness. The disability world will never be the same, thanks to Betty!
Ross Frauman
March 15, 2008
I came to SDSU's Disabled Student Services four years after Betty and spent the next five years working with her. Sure Betty was special in how she fought for the rights of all disabled students at SDSU as well as disabled citizens throughout all of San Diego, but what made her so special was as a role model for all people with disabilities.
Whether it was jumping from her chair to her kitchen counter to get the ingredients for dinner or leading a group of students on an outing to see "And Justice for All", Betty made you forget she was "disabled". Betty was a distinguished department leader at the university, not a distinguished disabled department leader. Spending time with Betty one soon would forget about her chair when she'd suggest going for a walk.
One lasting memory will be when a student wanted us to go skydiving; an event a bit too much for most of our students. Instead we took a group to Otay Mesa for scenic rides in glider planes. I will always remember the joyous expression on Betty's face as I carried her from the plane back to her chair - of course she got back in line to go flying a second time.
Betty, you will be missed and remembered by thousands. Hundreds of SDSU graduates can claim that honor because of the work you led to bring equal access to the university. Cindy and I will never forget you, dear friend.
Michael Mankin
March 14, 2008
Betty Bacon was a personal friend to so many of us -- a real icon in public policy, working on committees, appearing at review boards, and bringing community issues to state and local government. She will always be regarded as one of the most trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, and dedicated advocates of our time. She spoke up on our behalf -- all for tne benefit of so many people with disabilities, our friends and family. She knew full well that we alone, through personal sacrifice of health we can ill afford to waste -- we are the ones who are actually enforcing most of our nation's disability rights laws on a daily basis by perseverance, participation and vigilance. I will dearly miss her dedication, collaboration, and strength of resolve in challenging every attempt to thwart our right to liberty, autonomy and equality.
Susan Madison
March 13, 2008
It was my honor and great pleasure to have worked with Betty on San Diego's CRC, the What's Next disability mentoring program, the SD Disability Coalition and now in the City Disabilty Services Program. I hope to one day be 1/10th as gracious as Betty was. See you on the other side, Betty!
Love,
Susan
Melanie Sherman (Thal)
March 12, 2008
Betty was my Mom's best friend. They met when they were children and have stayed close through the years. The thing I remember most about Betty are the "rides" she would give me as a little girl. I would sit on her lap and scream gleefully as she wheeled down ramps. It was sooo fun! Last year Betty came to visit my mom for her birthday. We went hiking up in the mountains. We pushed Betty in her chair up and down rough terrain until we made it to our destination. I'm glad I had a chance to spend such quality time with her on that hike. Hiking will never be the same...You will be missed.
Nan Valerio
March 12, 2008
I was honored to have known Betty through her work on the City of SD's Committee for the Removal of Architectural Barriers and later. She was dedicated and effective in her tireless efforts to inprove the quality of life for everyone, including those with disabilities.
janet Carlson
March 11, 2008
I will be forever grateful that I had a chance to meet and get to know Betty before this tragic accident took her from us. She was a such a blessing to our family and she was taken from us much too soon. God damn it - this is too hard!
Toni Kuxhausen
March 11, 2008
I am happy that Betty is now enjoying the wonderful afterlife but am very sad for me...I miss her.
Rocky Burks
March 11, 2008
No words may ease the pain and sorrow that everyone who knew Betty is now feeling. Please know that Betty will never be absent from our heart as long as we continually cherish her unselfish contributions each day in our daily activities.
Frances Gracechild
March 11, 2008
Betty was an Independent Living Center activist and colleague that I admired and respected. Whenever she came to the state Capitol I looked forward to running into her. She was so generous with her time and valuable information and perspective.
Our loss is Heaven's gain. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Elissa Moon
March 10, 2008
The amazing thing about Betty is that you could say a million wonderful things about her, and they would all be true. I first met her at an SDSU reception for her retirement. Hearing everyone speak about her gave me an awesome impression. Despite being such an important mover and shaker, she was always very approachable. A great listener and a smooth talker. So wonderful on so many levels.
Joseph Abrahamson
March 10, 2008
A vey special woman. She will be missed
Louis Frick
March 10, 2008
I feel extremely fortunate to have known Betty as both a colleague and a friend. Her passing is a great loss to those who both knew her and benefited from her knowledgeable and passionate spirit.
Lauren Jablonski
March 9, 2008
It was my pleasure and blessing to get to know you these past few years, Betty, and I will truly miss you. You opened your heart and your home to me and I will never forget the memories that we have made. God bless you.
Ellen Dorfman
March 9, 2008
I had the good blessings to meet Betty a few times, she touched my good friend Michael's heart deeply and I can only guess how much he will miss her presence.
Michael Jablonski
March 9, 2008
Betty is my confidant, my best friend, my life coach, my soul mate, and the love of my life. She helped mold me into a better person.
Betty is someone that everybody loved, and everybody wanted to work with.
She is a team player, and her love of life and her dedication to correcting wrongs and making things right will continue to live on through everybody that ever had the honor and privilege to meet, work with, or know her.
She will be greatly missed, but she will never be forgotten. Her spirit will continue to guide us in the future, and when we are stumped, we will all ask ourselves, "What would Betty have done?"
I'll love you forever Baby!
Denard Davis
March 9, 2008
Betty,
You have served as a model for many of us to follow. I wish that I had gotten to know you better.
My heart and prayers goes out to your family.
Marty Omoto, California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN)
March 9, 2008
Betty will always be a living and loving presence in this world for those who fight for disability rights, for those who fight against injustice, for those who fight to overcome barriers of access to our communities and for those who believe most of all, that a life matters. Her life certainly did for all of us. Our prayers and thoughts to her family and those who loved her so much.
Marty Omoto
March 9, 2008
Betty will always be a living and loving presence in this world for those who fight for disability rights, for those who fight against injustice and barriers to access to our communities and for those who believe most of all, that a life matters. Her life certainly did for all of us. Our prayers and thoughts to her family and those who loved her so much.
Peter Hepburn
March 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Fye-- Healing Angels Ministry
March 8, 2008
THANK YOU and BLESS YOU Betty for being a Healing Angel.
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for Elizabeth Bacon
How to support Elizabeth's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elizabeth Bacon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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