Bette Jean Sullivan

Sullivan, Bette Jean (nee Francini) b. October 20, 1929 – d. October 29, 2021, died peacefully in her sleep at home in Scottsdale, AZ with family and loved ones by her side. At 92 years young. Bette's favorite line, "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" sums up her view on life and the way she lived it.

She is survived by a large circle of loving family and friends with whom she had a deep connections. She also leaves a decades-long legacy of philanthropic leadership from fundraising to hands-on volunteering and random acts of kindness.

Bette was an active and accomplished sportsperson, winning a roomful of awards in tennis and swimming. She taught blind children to swim. As a young lifeguard she began a life of turning heads with her beauty and rescuing people in need.

Bette was born in Beloit, Wisconsin to her Italy-born parents Gino "Rosy" and Natalina Francini, along with her two dear late sisters Jenny and Lillian, and her beloved brother Tom who survives her in Los Angeles. Bette grew up in Beloit and attended the University of Wisconsin Madison before her move to Hollywood.

She worked professionally for many years in the fashion and style sector in Wisconsin, California and Arizona. In her early career she was a contract player for 20th Century Fox, appearing in 16 Hollywood films released in the early 1950s with notables such a Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Shelly Winters, Rock Hudson, Dale Robertson and more.

After a few years, Bette left tinsel town to return to her native Wisconsin and marry her sweetheart Atty. Robert 'Bob' Sullivan in 1952. Together they raised a family of 5 children.

The household often had a flurry of extra residents including young women in need, elderly family members, 'unofficially adopted' young friends of her children and an array of pets. She had a big heart and an open mind. All of these welcomed additions thought of her as their second 'mom'.

Her work with the homeless dates back to her days as Mrs. Wisconsin in 1963 where she volunteered at the St. Rose Home for homeless girls in Milwaukee, and owned her own business, The ImageSmiths Inc, Fashion Consultants. She was Vice President of the Milwaukee Society of Models, and Fashion Show Chair for several years, funding the needs of the Milwaukee Association for Retarded Citizens.

Through her work in films, as a style consultant on television and work in over 600 fashion shows for charitable organizations, she developed many lasting relationships with the children and young girls she mentored to become all they could be.

Bette and Bob moved to Arizona in 1985. They both loved living in the Valley of the Sun. Bette served as President of the Arizona Love 50 Tennis Association and captained the 1991 team that won the National Championship title in Palm Desert, CA.

She served with the editor of the Peek at the Peak newspaper for five years and joined Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak in their first year in 1991, where she later served as President, and as board member and publicity chair. She has been an active member of Christ Child Society and as well as the Our Lady of Joy Ladies Guild.

Unstoppable in her support of homeless children, she served as an active board member of the Thomas J. Pappas Foundation working on the education and betterment of life for homeless children. Her tireless efforts for Pappas helped raise millions to build school facilities.

A hands on board member, she was frequently seen supplying the school's clothing room with essentials for the children, as well as helping with many field trips, and parties to celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Summer Fundraisers and even a Prom.

Resourceful and tenacious, her charitable work extended to the Arthritis Foundation, Waste Not and Homeward Bound along with the 30 charities CWPP funds. She was honored with the Pinnacle Award, the highest award of distinction by CWPP, and also the Homeless Christmas Tree in her name. Bette cherished the inscription from the Pappas School children who presented her with a plaque inscribed, "We wished and you made it come true".

After the passing of her husband Bob in 2011, Bette and her close friend and tennis doubles partner Anne Sanborne undertook the experiment of becoming housemates, at Anne's invitation. It proved to be a decade-long joyful life of comradery and companionship with each other and their families. They became a wonderful example for how to re-invent a life of happiness after loss.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-grandmother and more, Bette's first priority was to her family and her large extended clan of Italian relatives.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) and her parents, as well as her two older sisters Jenny Ludtke and Lillian Buske. She is survived by sons Timothy (Lisa) Sullivan, Dann (Michelle) Sullivan, Bob (Nicky Hayes) Sullivan and daughters Tina Wilcox and Colleen (Jean-Michel 'Michael' Maziere) Sullivan; her brother Tom Francini, 8 grandchildren-Mallary, Sam, Sierra, Joe, Grayson, Isabelle, Remy and Brooklyn, and 4 great- grandchildren-Kennedy, Jack, Juliet and Olive; as well as 13 nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend and companion Anne Sanborne and Anne's family, along with their beloved dog "Pepper", and an amazing host of loving friends.

Bette's funeral service will be held Friday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, 36811 Pima Rd. Carefree, AZ 85377. It will be followed by a reception in the Parish Center. All are welcome. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN (FMSC.ORG). Please request that an acknowledgement be sent to: Lisa Sullivan at lsullivan@infusenext.com.