Workman, Dorothy "Grandbetty" 94, of Cottagewood, passed away 7/7/07 at sunset. There was something about Betty. She was Dorothy, Betty, Grandbetty, Grandbizzle or The Hat Lady. Loved for her energy, curiosity, and willingness to explore the alternative. Betty grew up on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and Lake of the Isles. She attended Northrup in Minneapolis graduated from Smith College with a degree in Political Science, and later studied interior design at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Betty's great love of art was discovered in a sculpting class at the Minnetonka Art Center at the age of 50. She went on to explore welding, oil painting, pastels, and water color, but excelled cast bronze sculpting. Her joy of life sparked a celebration wherever she went. Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd; brother, Richard Thomson. Survived by son, Peter (Stephanie); daughters, Dena Durfey and Sally Workman D.C.; grandchildren, Julie, Lloyd, Rebecca, Molly and Turner; great-granddaughter, Ava. Memorial service 4 PM Thursday, July 12 at "The Point", 19680 Lakeview Ave., Deephaven. Please wear a hat and prepare for a late start. Memorials preferred. Cremation Society Edina Chapel 952-924-4100
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Dear Pete, Dena, Sally,
Galen, Jamie, Langdon and I have wonderful memories of your mom. Grandbetty was always welcoming and included us in whatever activity happened to be going on. We'll miss her.
Galen and Becky Stahle
July 11, 2007 | Deephave, MN
Oh this tribute is perfect!! I can see her now - - - straightening up a bit in her chair.... a twinkle in her eye, and a smile ready to break - as she revels in your affectionate description, and your plans for hats and a 'late start'. The woman had style!
Love to Pete, Dena, and Sally.
Thank you, Aunt Betty, for bringing so much interest and pleasure to our lives -
Coffee
July 10, 2007
Even though I only met Betty less than two years ago - I considered her my good friend. She used to wear me out when I'd take her shopping - and she was over 40 years older than me! She loved her health & wellness brochures, her mega-supply of vitamins, good soups, dark chocolate, heavy cream in her coffee, extra-thin sliced white bread, her bacon well-done, Toto & Junior, and the goofy - but cute - stuffed cow she named Babboo.
I loved to listen to her tell the stories of her life -...
Holly Babbs
July 10, 2007 | Shorewood, MN
Peter, Dena and Sally,
I have many memories of Betty having grown up next-door, but my favorite is the discussion I had with her about hunting. We stood at the trunk of her car (full of hunting gear) and she told me that she had finally started using a less powerful shotgun at Peter's request. She had just returned from hunting with him, was wearing full camouflage, topped off with a bright, pastel colored floppy sun hat...
Classic.
Tom Maple
July 10, 2007 | Excelsior, MN
Dearest Betty, I will miss you so.
There was never a Queen with as much royal charm and beauty as you possessed. Not only a fabulous artist and talented knitter, but an engaging conversationalist, a diplomat and an incredible listener.
Thank You for the joy!
Peace.
mary
Mary (Red Mary) Thompson
July 10, 2007 | St. Louis, MO
