Betty "Be Happy" Sunde

Betty "Be Happy" Sunde

Betty "Be Happy" Sunde, our beloved ray of Northwest sunshine, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones on the morning of January 7, 2009. She was born Elizabeth Hazel Hamilton in Seattle, Washington on November 16, 1919 to Winifred and Edgar Charles Hamilton.
A true Northwest girl, Betty spent her early years with family in Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia and California. Her love of learning and books led her to Linfield College in Oregon where she received her degree with the Class of 1942. An ardent Linfield scholarship supporter, Betty helped establish the 'Class of '42 Memorial Scholarship Fund'.
After her graduation, Betty followed her heart to USC Library School where she earned her post graduate degree in Library Science. She began her career as a librarian at the UW's Suzzallo Library. She later became head librarian for the UW's Business School Library. While there she met her husband George Sunde. They married in 1961.
Betty enjoyed her retirement years on Camano Island where she and George had moved in the mid-seventies. Betty Be Happy's optimistic spirit infused hope into all her endeavors and relationships. She was an avid conservationist whose efforts ran from initiating recycling on Camano to preserving the financial resources of the Camano Clubhouse by spearheading the effort to retire its construction loan. After 30 + years in the Camano-Stanwood area, Betty moved to Edmonds Landing in Edmonds where her bright spirit inspired new friends who join the scores of dear friends and family who will miss her vibrant spirit.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George; and her step-daughter, Karen.
She is survived by her step-son, Jeff Sunde and his partner, Rick Wilson; cousin, Roxanne Hamilton and her husband, Mike Pinoges; and scores of loving family members and countless friends.
A Celebration of Betty's life will be held at 2:22 p.m., on January 24, 2009, at the Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd. Dr. N.W., Stanwood, WA.
Memorial gifts can be sent to Linfield's Class of '42 Memorial Scholarship Fund, Linfield college, 900 S.E. Baker St., Unit A476, Mc Minnville, Or. 97128.