Merrillville, Indiana
Elizabeth "Betty" Brier (nee Olis) Elizabeth "Betty" Brier (nee Olis), formerly of Gary and Highland, IN, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the age of 101. Betty was born to Frank and Theresa (Shepp) Olis in Lucerne, PA on July 17, 1916. She is survived by her three daughters: Bernadette (James) Slawinski, Theresa (Gerald) Baker and Erica (Terry) Crabb; nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Michael) Qualen, John Patellis, Brian (Lisa Rudman) Baker and Megan (Paris Mavroidis) Baker, Richard Slawinski, Elizabeth (Chris) Elam, Margaret (Nick) Wenzel, Kathleen (Matt) Stula and Sarah Slawinski; 19 great-grandchildren: Matt, Jack and Josh Qualen; Daphne, Phoebe, Benjamin and Samson Patellis; Katherine Slawinski; Madeline and Alex Elam; Colson, Kaylee and Maxx Wenzel; Isabella Serrano; Brady and Ben Stula; Sophia, Grayson and Benson Whiteman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: John Brier; and her brothers: Hubert, Frank, Edward, Bernard, Adam and Ralph. Betty was a World War II Veteran and served in the U.S. Navy. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years and retired in 1982. She was past President of the Women's Auxiliary of Club 25; past President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Glen Park West Side Civic Club; life member, Chaplain and first woman Commander of Griffith American Legion Post 66; a member of the Griffith American Legion Post 66 Auxiliary; member of the Griffith VFW Post 9982 Auxiliary; past historian and finance officer of the American Legion First District; and member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso. Betty was also an avid Cubs fan. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 29, 2018 at GEISEN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. An American Legion Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday morning directly at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 200 E 78th Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410 with Fr. James Meade officiating. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Memorial donations may be given in Betty's name to Dunes Hospice, The Caring Place in Valparaiso, Wounded Warriors or St. Jude's Hospital. View directions and sign Betty's online guestbook at GeisenFuneralHome.com - (219) 769-3322.
Bernie, Theresa, Erica and family,
I was saddened to hear the news about the loss of your mom. Our 2 families went bad a long long way. Sorry I couldn't come by to see you all, I was not in the area. I think your mom was the last of the Olis / Minniti mob. Probably one heck of a reunion going on!!!!!
Frank Erfurth
July 01, 2018 | Lowell, IN
Sympathy and prayers go out to all, especially Erica. Our parents were always great Legion Post 66 friends from the 1960's on up. They all truly built up Post 66.
Just know your dear Mother was a wonderful lady and we thank her for serving her country. RIP BETTY !
Arlene
June 28, 2018 | Highland, IN
To the Brier Family,
It's been many years.We were Carolina street neighbors.Our thoughts and Prayers for God's Strength/
Peace during this difficult time.May Betty rest in eternal peace.Amen.
Molly Nowak and Family
melissa rodriguez
June 28, 2018 | Orlando, FL
My prayers go out to Betty's family and all those that mourn for her today and in the days ahead. Betty was a marvelous lady. So positive, gracious, humorous and kind. I met her back in the 90's when I worked as a bartender for VFW Post 9982. She shared many stories with me about her past. I respected her so much for her sacrifice and service to our country while serving in the Navy, and also for all the good she did for so many others throughout her lifetime. She was an exceptional woman and...
Suzie Austgen-Scheidt
June 28, 2018