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1934 - 2016

BORN

1934

DIED

2016

Elizabeth Mackey Obituary

Elizabeth (Betty) Sutro Mackey

July 20, 1934-August 11, 2016

Betty Mackey died peacefully surrounded by love; she was our sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She introduced generations to amazing music. Her mantra was "Leave this world a little better than it was when you got here." She did just that. She was co-founder of Just for Kids, a program for children of addiction. She brought this program into Mt. View, Los Altos and Sunnyvale schools and eventually expanded it to those affected by all issues. It is a program where children can feel special and have a safe place. The program has changed the lives of thousands of children over years and is still going strong. In her memory, contributions may be made to the Community Health Awareness Council, 590 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040. A celebration of her life will be held at her home on August 28, 2016.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 16 to Aug. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Mackey

13 Entries

Anette Voges

August 11, 2025

Today it is nine years since Betty's passing. I am thinking of all her family and friends that got to know her. I miss her!

Anette Voges

August 10, 2023

Betty is still missed. I think of her so often, especially when August rolls around. She made a difference in my life!

Anette Voges

August 10, 2022

Betty passed on six years ago and I still miss her. I planted a Dogwood tree in our garden in honor of Betty. I will never forget her.

Lori Renois

August 10, 2021

I loved Betty so much. When I first learned of her passing I experienced such profound sadness and tears. I did not realize until that moment how much she meant to me. I was her patient for many years and she had a huge impact on my life. She gently guided me to find the healing I needed to go on and to have a wonderful life. I printed her picture, framed it, and put it on my bookshelf where I could see her. Her love and support was a gift. I am so grateful she came into my life. I will always miss Betty. If one of her daughters reads this, I would love to have a better picture of her. You may contact me at (408)592-3211.

Lori A. Renois

August 18, 2020

I send my loving condolences to Betty's family.

Cherlyn Zeller

July 10, 2017

In an attempt to visit Betty, a year late (2017) I have discovered that she has passed away. My shock, as I am dealing with my husband's passing, to have missed this. She was a very special lady and I could count on the many moments of help she has given me in the past. My prayers and sympathy go to her family and I am so sorry to be so late in acknowledging her passing.

Perla Pasallo

May 10, 2017

Had no idea she had passed. My heart goes out to the family. Betty took such good care of me during a very difficult time my life. I will always remember sitting in her back yard talking about her cats, the 49'ers and the family. Then watching Wheel of Fortune (where she beat me every single time). Thank you Betty for all the love and wonderful memories.

April 19, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth (Betty) Mackey in early 2016. She was one of the most kind, devoted, loving, giving and truly selfless people I have ever met in my lifetime. The history of the Sutro family and the history of San Francisco were so well preserved by Betty and her family. My heart goes out to each of her children who I know were so special because that is just how she raised them. God Bless Betty and her sweet family.

With sincere blessings to all,

Cathleen Ann Gouveia
Interior Designer

Allyce Bess

September 4, 2016

Betty was a caring supervisor and was passionate about her work. I will always appreciate her support while I was an intern at CHAC.

From Betty's CHAC Retirement Celebration

Brandy Vanderheiden

September 4, 2016

Betty was a warm and welcoming presence at CHAC for hundreds of interns over decades. I remember many sweet and quiet conversations in the Village Well and how hard she worked to organize the Just For Kids program year after year, matching interns and children into groups in a head spinning organizational feat. Thanks Betty, for giving so much of yourself. Sending love to the family.

Anette Voges

August 19, 2016

Betty was my individual supervisor for three years and I could not have received a greater gift than the gift she gave me: Believing in me and my dreams to become a therapist and to start my own practice. She was my supervisor, mentor and friend. I will miss her greatly.

My sincere condolences to her family. She spoke so often and so lovingly about them and she told me how much love she felt from all of them.

Mary Lund

August 18, 2016

We walked around the block that beautiful spring day. When I took this picture, I had to say "Wait, Mom, I want to take a picture of the blossoms!." Special day, special lady. So glad I had a lot of memorable times with her.

Kit Dreyfuss

August 17, 2016

It was sad to hear of the recent passing of my childhood friend, but heart-warming to hear about her productive and happy life, and especially the founding of "Just for Kids." I am a school nurse, only too well acquainted with the need for such an organization, and thrilled to know of Betty's contribution.
Betty and I were room-mates at KBS. She sometimes invited me home to meet her family and Cocker Spaniel. We shared academic ambitions, adolescent angst, and visions of ranch life. We got together for one memorable dinner as married couples, and then drifted apart, but she still has a special place in my heart. I share her family's grief for her loss and gratitude for her presence in their lives. I wish you peace.

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