Betty Virginia Lea

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Roosevelt High School

Betty Lea Obituary

Betty Virginia LEA Betty Virginia Lea passed into the hands of our Lord on December 29th, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband Winford Edgar Lea and her two brothers, Herbert Wolever and Harold Wolever. Betty was born in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1937. She and Ed married in 1940. Betty began working with Mrs. E. Louise Perkins in 1952, and there began her lifelong passion for early childhood education. Upon Mrs. Perkins retirement in 1965, Betty continued to own and operate Perkins School For Children for the better part of 35 years. Betty had a unique talent for the education of young children. She was truly a pioneer in developing curriculum for 3 and 4 year olds and was never afraid to bring the latest technology into the classroom. She was a mentor to children, staff, and parents alike. In 1973 Betty founded Perkins Kindergarten and went on to found Perkins Elementary which today is the Meridian School. In 1990 Betty and Ed decided it was time to slow down a little and moved to Honolulu Hawaii. Her knowledge and leadership was instrumental in the success of Perkins School even while living in Hawaii. Betty was not one to sit still, and created a whole new life in Hawaii. She volunteered twice a week at the Bishop Maritime Museum and once a week in the gift shop at Straub Hospital. At the age of 75, she hired a coach and learned to swim. She made many lasting friendships in Seattle and Honolulu and was an inspiration to one and all. She was a gourmet cook, an expert at knitting and crocheting, and a gracious host to all who stepped through her door. Betty is survived by her three children, James Lea of Seattle, Meredyth Sample (Doug) of Tacoma, and Christine Chevalier (Darwin) of Seattle. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Darcy Cooper (Mike) of Seattle, Nicci Chevalier of Honolulu, Stacy Jones (Bryan) of Seattle, Mac Chevalier of Honolulu, Jolene Brant (Robert) of Tacoma. She also leaves two great grandchildren, Evan Brant, and Joshua Brant of Tacoma. Betty was always there for all of them and was their biggest cheerleader. Betty was a part of the Willed Body Program at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held for Betty at the completion of her time at the medical school.She will then join her husband in her final resting place at the Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, Honolulu, Hawaii. Sign Betty's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Lea

10 Entries

Melodie Sasaki

June 7, 2010

Betty, what a treasured friendship we shared. I miss you daily and our weekly lunches and talks. However I know you are in a better place. Your generous spirit and goodwill towards all leads me still. Mahalo nui loa.

Kathy Butler

May 13, 2010

Betty, I know you are with us all as I write this. My last visits with you at the hospital were too short, but on those occasions I knew you were aware of my presence...you responded with your usual "blowing a kiss" perky hand movements. Thus, I know you were that usual happy person I always knew and loved in THIS world. My trust and faith in God tells me that this continues always and I look forward to the warmth of your wonderful presence in the next world. We had it all when you were with us, at the Maritime Museum, at dinners after or for any other occasion, or just to visit and spend time with you, Ed, and the animals. I trust that my husband, Herbie, was there along with Ed to greet you upon your arrival in that Heavenly realm you now occupy. We, your many friends and your family, were blessed to have you in our lives. Mere mortal words cannot fully convey the wonderfulness of spirit you projected throughout the years here on earth. I aspire to live life as you did and to treat others as well, if that were only possible. Love eternally, Kathy (and Jim) in Hawaii

May 3, 2010

Betty, You left too soon. We had sooo many more projects to complete!!! I miss you every day. I'll see you in heaven and maybe you can teach me to turn a heel when I knit my first pair of socks.
Love Ramona.

Erica (Gigo)Wiggins

April 14, 2010

Something today just told me to do a search for the schools I attended in Seattle, and one of the teachers that stood out was Betty. My mom (Jeni Jacobs, at the time) and Betty had a close education relationship that would move the babies from my moms daycare up to Perkins. I went to Perkins in 1980-1982, and remember vividly they way I was taught to tie my shoes, a few french words, and daily piano lessons. Everyone knew your name and it was wonderful. I am sad to hear of the great loss of Betty, but happy to see that her great dream continued so long after I was there. She is a great inspiration to all.

Nita Crowley

March 9, 2010

Chris,
I wish you comfort with the loss of your mom.
Betty was both my employer and a dear friend for many years.
I admire how committed she was to the field of Early Childhood. Many people including my children and grandchildren took their first steps in education at her school (what a wonderful contribution to society}.
Your mom always welcomed me into her home. I have many treasured memories of visits with your dad and her. We enjoyed tasting the new recipes she would cook up and I was always amazed with her latest knitting project.
I am very thankful that Betty has been part of my life. She will be remember fondly as a mentor and friend. Nita

March 7, 2010

Betty Lea and Perkins have played a major role in our lives. First with my 35 yr. old niece attending, then being a single mom sending my daughter, Emily to Perkins. Betty would stand at the door waiting for me to appear from the bus and watching Emily walk half way down the block so I could turn around and catch my bus back downtown for work. Meeting and marrying her p.e. teacher, our two other children were also raised at Perkins. Betty set a standard of well being and quality throughout the school that has touched so many people.
She will be missed but remembered with much love and respect. ~Brian and Peggie Simon along with
Emily, Sydney and Erik

March 5, 2010

Dear Chris,
Please accept my sincere sympathy with the loss of your Mom. I have warm memories of her from our high school days and again when our son attended Perkins School. Please know I am thinking of you.
Hazel

Janis and Greg Peralta

March 4, 2010

Our children Adriane and Sayre both went to Perkin's Pre-School and Daycare back in the late 80's. We credit Mrs. Lea and the school for the many successes they have achieved. Adriane is teaching at a Charter High School while working on her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Sayre just graduated from USC with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Both live and work in L.A. We will always remember Betty's delicious soups cooking in the Perkin's kitchen.

Karen Koon

March 2, 2010

Want to express my sincerest condolences to Betty's family...was very sorry to read of her recent passing. She was a very special lady and I feel privileged to have known her and Ed (and Chris) by being their travel agent for a number of years.
May she rest in peace. Karen Koon

Tom Delmore

February 28, 2010

Betty Showed up in my life at a very important time. I spent ten years as a teacher at Perkins and don't regret the experience I received. She had a knack for people! God Bless Betty

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