What is your first memory of Elizabeth? Share a favorite memory you have of Elizabeth. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Elizabeth. Describe a time when Elizabeth made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Elizabeth? Talk about a shared experience you had with Elizabeth. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Elizabeth. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Elizabeth. What is something you learned from Elizabeth?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Elizabeth BRET HARTE

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Arizona State University The New School

Elizabeth HARTE Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 3, 2014.

BRET HARTE, Elizabeth. A two-year journey with cancer ended for Betsy at her Phoenix home the evening of August 25, 2014. She was surrounded by her family. Born on August 29, 1959, in Tucson, Betsy attended Tucson schools; volunteered in Ecuador and Nicaragua with Amigos de las Americas; in Kentucky with the Frontier Nursing Service; and in the Dominican Republic, where she served in the Peace Corps with her former husband. She is survived by her partner, Mary Kay Zeeb; children, Elyse (Saigon), Oliver (Portland) and Cooper (Tucson) Lyon; brother, Jim, his wife, Miriam and sons, Gregory and Christopher (Miami); sister, Kitt; brother, Jefe; mother, Dianne Bret Harte and former husband, Chuck Lyon (Tucson) and many others of her cherished family. A mixed-media artist and teacher, she received a B.F.A. from ASU, exhibited in Phoenix galleries, and taught at New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe. A retrospective exhibit of her work is being planned. Betsy inspired countless people, young and old, but she always maintained that it was they who energized and transformed her: Betsy's dedication to and love for her students, friends and family was unmatched to the last. A memorial at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to a celebration at the home of Betsy's mother on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Elizabeth HARTE's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

January 10, 2015

Bev Blashill Jutry posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2014

Ilona Fague posted to the memorial.

September 4, 2014

Kendra Gaines posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Bev Blashill Jutry

January 10, 2015

Dear Family and Friends of the Amazing Betsy, I am so sad to hear of her crossing over. She will always be in my heart and I know the heart of all the people she taught, loved and cherished. She and I were in Amigos together and was an AMAZING FRIEND, so kind, so shy, so beautiful. We had a very rough year when we went to Nicaragua as our friend Tim Petrochet died just weeks before in a horrible explosion after one of our fundraising all day and he continued to work as we all jump in a pool close by. We were very traumatized but Betsy, Annie, Olivia, Dave, Neto, Paul, Nando, and the rest of the Amigos supported each other. Betsy was such an incredible person and loved so much. My heart is heavy to hear the news, she left us too soon....May she rest in Peace with all those who have crossed over. Forever in my heart Love, Bev Blashill Jutry

Ilona Fague

September 5, 2014

Oh Betsy, my friend from long ago. I tasted my first mud pie from the dirt in your backyard at a slumber party. I also remember Christmas caroling with you in the neighborhood. We had lots of fun back then. Rest in peace.
Ilona Gyuro Fague

Kendra Gaines

September 4, 2014

I was so sorry to learn of Betsy's death--much too young. Dianne, my heart goes out especially to you, her mother. I wish you grace and strength in the months to come.

September 4, 2014

We are very sorry to learn of Elizabeth's passing but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic.

-The National Peace Corps Association

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Julieta Gonzalez

September 3, 2014

My sincerest condolences to all, especially to you, Dianne. Prayers and love.

Kimmo Wilska

September 3, 2014

As a school friend of her brother Jim I got to know Betsy to the degree that one gets to know younger sisters of male friends. It has been my pleasure to reconnect with the Bret-Harte family in recent years, and from my current vantage point in Finland, I have followed their frequent Facebook postings the way that they handled this difficult time in a loving and mutually nurturing manner. My heart goes out to all of Betsy's friends and family, and I hope to meet them the next time that I visit my old home town Tucson.

Margie Dominguez

September 3, 2014

I was more of an acquaintance than a friend, but I knew Betsy enough to know she was a great gal. Condolences to her family. R.I.P., Betsy.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results