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Aurelia Libbey Obituary
A visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m., followed by a rosary and then a funeral Mass at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the Holy Family Cathedral; 800 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Pallbearers will include Mike Carle, Jon Rus, Kurt Thor, Chris Miller, Brian Dunagan, and Jesse Bell. Betty will be laid to rest at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery. The family wishes that memorial bequests be made to the Women of Holy Family.
Betty was born December 10, 1927 in Rolla, North Dakota. She married Carl Libbey on March 7, 1953 while stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia. She came to Alaska in 1954 without any knowledge of the Alaskan lifestyle but learned to love life in Alaska. Betty was a homemaker. In addition to raising six daughters, she devoted her spare time to serving at Holy Family Cathedral for the past 57 years. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America for 40 years. Betty began Holy Family's hospitality ministry by forming The Women of Holy Family. In 1981 she was honored to travel to Rome with Holy Family's choir and perform at the Vatican. In 1991 she received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II for her dedicated service to Holy Family Cathedral. She was an integral part of St. Francis House Clothing and Food Bank from its beginning. In 2003 she received the Archdiocesan St. Francis of Assisi Award for her ministry to the poor. Betty very much enjoyed the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her husband Carl Libbey of Anchorage; daughters and son-in-laws Terri and Mike Carle of Anchorage, Gayle and Jon Rus of Anchorage, Joan and Kurt Thor of Eagle River, and Laurie and Chris Miller of Wasilla; daughter Carla Garrod of Anchorage; son-in-law Brian Dunagan of Anchorage; grandchildren Travis Garrod, Jennifer Reed, Michael Carle, Sarah Waldrop, Casey Dunagan, Tyler Rus, Eric Rus, Carrie Orlopp, and Robin Nino; great-grandchildren Landen Reed, Brenna Reed, Merit Waldrop V, Emma Waldrop, Austyn Orlopp, and Timmy Nino.
Betty is preceded in death by her daughter Mary Kaye Dunagan; grandson Brian Carle; infant daughter Jean Marie; and infant son John Carl.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel; www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Aurelia Libbey
Miranda Denton
September 26, 2011
She was always Grandma's friend Mrs Libbey to me as a kid. She always had a smile for me when I was growing up and always had a way of making you feel welcome. She will be missed.
Theresa Lutes
September 19, 2011
I have so many wonderful "Betty Libby Stories" of Holy Family Cathedal running through my mind, but the one I remember most is the miracle of loaves and fishes. She and her friend were working out of the house next to Holy Family Cathedral office handing out food to those in need (the beginnings of St. Francis House). When at the end of the day - the "cupboard was bare". She said to her friend, you go home and pray to St. Francis and I'll pray to St. Dominic and they did. Betty after arriving at home, received a phone call from a friend who said I have a warehouse of food that needs to be used because the refrigeration is on the fritz. The food was delivered and the truck was full of frozen loaves of bread and fish sticks. I consider Betty a saint and a woman with a living faith, a loving family, and a Cathedral full of friends. May God's love surround her and her family. I have been blessed by her friendship, her love, and her wonderful sense of humor.
Steve Denton
September 18, 2011
Dear Carl and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. She will always be Mrs. Libbey to me, the nice neighbor lady whose heart was so big and who always was available to help our family. I am so glad I had the chance to have Mrs. Libbey as a neighbor and thank you for being a long and dear freind to my parents. Her helping hand to Liz and I after we started our own family is much appreciated. I hope you can take comfort in the knowledge that a special place in Heaven is reserved for her.
Steve Denton and Family
Stephanie Ettinger
September 16, 2011
Carl and Family, our love goes out to each of you.
Love,
Stephanie(Jenny Bell's daughter!) Jim(my husband) Miles and Rebecca( our children) We send warm hugs and loving thoughts to all of you.
Gary Marks
September 16, 2011
Betty was a great joy and a wonderful loving presence for me while I was at the cathedral. She was truly a saint in my life and I will hold her in my prayers. I pray for the comfort of her family and celebrate what she brought to my life. Thank you Betty!
Fr. LaSalle Hallissey, O.P.
September 16, 2011
When I think of my time at Holy Family Cathedral, some of my fondest memories are of Betty Libbey. She was a dear woman that you could always count on. She never said no, but would only and always pitch in and help. I recall one time asking her to put together a reception after Mass and she agreed, even when I insisted that Costco Carrot Cake not be served. Another time she gave me a t-shirt that read, "If you don't smoke, I won't fart!" When I said, "Betty!" she just smiled and said, "Father, when I saw it I immediately thought of you!" Betty was a great woman. May God receive her into His eternal Love! Fr. LaSalle Hallissey, O.P.
Kathy Artuso
September 16, 2011
Dear Carla and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Your friend Kathy Artuso
T.S. BELARDE
September 16, 2011
Joanie, Laurie and Carla...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom & Ginny Main
September 16, 2011
Dear Carl,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Maureen O'Neill
September 16, 2011
Dear Carl and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our Dear Sweet Betty was an inspiration to us all and she will be greatly missed. She leaves a great legacy at Holy Family and big shoes to fill for the rest of us. Her love and dedication will be a model for all of us for many years to come. WWBD: "What Would Betty Do" will be our mantra! Prayers are with all of you.
September 16, 2011
Dear Carl and family,
Betty has been a blessing to so many people in her quiet humble fashion. She will be greatly missed and you all will be held in prayer at this time.
Sister Barbara Scanlon Boston, MA
Candace Denton
September 16, 2011
Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss. She is a peace now.
Candi Samson-Denton.
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