Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Betsy SPEARE Obituary
SPEARE, Betsy
(Age 49)
Betsy Speare, died 28th March 2018 at her home in Seattle, Washington after a difficult six month battle with cancer.
Ms. Speare was born on July 31st, 1969 in Lynwood, California to John Speare and Charlotte Zyskowski (Speare). Her brother, John, was born in 1971. The family moved to Washington State in 1974 where her parents divorced. Betsy attended a one-room school house in Onion Creek, Washington for her first two years of school. In 1979, Betsy's mother married Martin Zyskowski, who had three boys: Mike, Andrew, Jamie. She graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, took a few classes at the community college, and then joined the Army. In basic training, Betsy met her first husband, Mike Macris. They lived for a time in Nuremberg Germany and in Alabama. She eventually found her way back to Spokane where she completed a degree in Computer Science at EWU.
In 1997, Betsy moved to the Seattle area and got a job at Microsoft. Betsy excelled in the software world. She quickly moved through the development team to release management and led multiple successful releases of huge software projects at Microsoft. She worked hard to bring other women into technical leadership roles. She mentored many women, both informally, and as an inaugural member of the Microsoft Women's Leadership Council. After a successful run in multiple teams at Microsoft, Betsy left the company in 2012 and took her talents to a number of smaller companies and startups where she continued to grow her love and expertise of product development.
During her time at Microsoft, Betsy married Brady Hjort. In 2006 they had a baby girl, Olivia Hjort.
In 2012, Betsy settled in with the love of her life, and married Andy Camp.
Betsy loved travel, always inviting everyone to join, and in her generous spirit, often offering to pay for all. Betsy's niece, Maddie, was the recipient of numerous travel junkets with Betsy, Andy, and Olivia. Betsy also had a crew of girlfriends who enjoyed long weekend trips up and down the West Coast.
In recent years, Betsy served as board chair at KapKa Cooperative School. During her tenure, Betsy orchestrated raising nearly $300K to complete installation of a fire sprinkler system. She is credited as a central figure in keeping the doors open at KapKa during a tumultuous period in the school's history.
Betsy carried on her mother's love of entertaining and brought together her community with exceptional cooking and intelligent conversation.
Betsy is survived by her husband, Andy Camp, and her daughter Olivia Hjort. She also leaves behind a large extended family of brothers, sisters, in-laws, step-parents, nieces, nephews, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Charlotte Zyskowski of Spokane, Washington, and father, John Speare of Barstow, Washington.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, 98056. Sunday, April 22nd, between the hours of 2-4 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to The Forgotten Children's Fund. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betsy SPEARE
Sonja Saltzman
March 31, 2025
I wasn't close with Betsy, but she was so full of life, that her death shook me. I find myself thinking about her periodically, can't believe it's been 7 years. Hope her family is doing well.
Cozette Livingston
March 27, 2019
Cozette Livingston
March 27, 2019
Cozette Livingston
March 27, 2019
Cozette Livingston
March 27, 2019
Cozette Livingston
March 27, 2019
March 25, 2019
We are very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing your Heavenly Father cares for your family during this difficult time. Cherish your memories and look forward to the day He promises to reunite us with our dear loved ones. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Know your being thought of by others as well.
Warm Regards
The Williams
Khyati Vyas
April 24, 2018
Dear Betsy, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for you. After we both left Microsoft we didnt see each other as much, however I know that we both thought about each other. I always figured we would reconnect at some point and our girls would know each other. Really sorry that I didn't make more effort, I got caught up with family and work, usual day to day stuff. I miss you. Love you loads. xxx
Kathy DeCaprio
April 22, 2018
Betsy was part of the wonderful Exchange team I worked with in my early days at Microsoft. Betsy was inclusive, caring, fun and had great impact with her work. She will be greatly missed.
Kym Shepherd
April 22, 2018
The news about Betsy has been impossible for me to absorb. We were yoga friends, sharing class together 2 or 3 times per week for years. We also spent time outside of our yoga practice. Bets was everything good. She was loving, warm, welcoming, fun, joyful, an activist. The whole world just lost something wonderful. I remember how delighted she was to become Livvy's mother. And how delighted she was to be with Andy. I will miss Bets always. My deepest condolences to those closest to her. I wish for you strength, love and peace. It is so hard to say farewell.
Sarah Bories ( Marshall)
April 19, 2018
Your entire family is in my heart. Sending love and peace.
Niamh Coleman
April 19, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Betsy's family. I met Betsy via the Microsoft Women's Leadership Group. She put so much of her time and energy into making other women great and was a role model for how we need to support one another! I also enjoyed many chats with her on our Connector rides back to Seattle from Redmond. What an amazing woman. I am so sorry for your loss
Kimberly Watson
April 18, 2018
Our condolences to Betsy's family, especially Livvy and Andy. We were lucky enough to get to know Betsy over the last couple of years. Betsy was my daughter's favorite other mom, fun, talented, vivacious, compassionate and my daughter loved going with Betsy and Livvy to wrap presents for the Forgotten Children's Fund. Betsy added so much to our school community in the too short time we knew her, from class parties to basketball games and amazing baking parties and glasses of wine in her warmth and love filled kitchen (she was also hilarious). Her daughter is amazing and strong, just like Betsy, and I'm so glad I was able to know Betsy and so sad she is gone. Hugs to Livvy and Andy, we are thinking of you.
Patsy Johnson
April 17, 2018
Betsy was one of the most caring and loving people I had ever met. You will be greatly missed. You leave a great legacy for your daughter, Livy.
Phyllis Holmes
April 15, 2018
Betsy gave her world the gift of a perpetual smile. She was full of life and joy, just like her mom and grandmother. It is comforting to know that the dynamic trio is together again, even as we miss them so much.
Sonja Saltzman
April 13, 2018
My condolences to Betsy's family. I worked with Betsy at Microsoft many years ago, and remember her as an intelligent, compassionate, and passionate release manager. She was always available and always tried to do the right thing and find the right solutions.
Best wishes to the family,
April 12, 2018
Dear Betsy I have missed your hilariousness and always generous smile, you were one of a kind, such a special person. I'd like to believe you and Char are together and will always be with us. Blessings to John, Maddy, Liza, the entire Speare & Zykowski family.
Jackie Schultz
Cathy Funk
April 11, 2018
Betsy was a generous, compassionate, wonderful and vibrant person. She was so natural and outgoing, including neighbors into her family and life. She had a great sense of humor, and so many interests to share, including being a great cook. I am glad to have known her and so sorry for your loss Andy and Livvy.
Janine Harrison
April 11, 2018
How sad to see this news. Betsy - you will forever be in our hearts! You always brightened the days and were so awesome! I will miss you. My condolences to your family. This is a very difficult time. I will keep them in my thoughts.
Parul Manek
April 10, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Betsy years ago and can still feel her hugs. She helped me though a lot of tough times with her positive energy and her giving spirit. Thank you Betsy for being part of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the family to help with the loss of a loved one.
High school
Cozette Livingston
April 10, 2018
Betsy was my cousin and the sister I never had. We grew up spending our summers together and in high school I moved to Washington and we spent weekends together, too. She was so much fun and had a huge impact on my entire life. She wouldn't let me feel sorry for her when she found out she was sick. I'm so glad I hard the opportunity to visit and say good bye. You will Always be in my heart Sweet Pea! My heart goes out to Andy, Livvy and Johnny, there are absolutely no words....
April 9, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Betsy. I had the privilege of meeting her several years ago and found her to be a warm and bubbly young woman.
I will always remember her this way. My prayers are with the family.
April 9, 2018
I was so sorry to hear Betsy passed away. I had the pleasure of working with her at Microsoft and she was such a happy and positive person! Please accept my condolences.
Yigal
Lori Peter
April 9, 2018
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. Betsy had an incredibly giving and fun spirit! I feel honored to have met her. She will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to her close family and friends for the loss of Betsy.
Christopher & Pauline Corbett
April 9, 2018
We will miss Betsy. Not only did she light up every room she entered, she lit up other peoples' lives. I was one of them. She continues to light our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, please accept our deepest sympathies.
Lori Peter
April 9, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. She was a wonderfully kind and thoughtful woman. I am honored to have met her and she will be missed by so many. Her wonderful spirit will fly with the angels and live on in Liv her daughter. My condolences to all of her family and close friends. Rest In Peace Bets you will be missed, but not forgotten.
Carey Steingraber
April 8, 2018
Betsy will be forever missed. We shared many of laughs over the years on the sidelines at soccer. Gone much to soon but so happy to get to know her more the last few years. Love and condolences from the Steingraber Family (Woodland Soccer)
Kerri Merriam
April 8, 2018
My sincerest condolences. Betsy was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
April 8, 2018
I had the honor of being your "Other Mother" and having you as my Other Daughter. We helped each other through a lot over the years. I love you and will miss you so very much!
Carolyn Speare
Sherry Woods
April 6, 2018
Bets, it was a priviliage to have you in our family.. you gave us a beautiful daughter to hold dear forever. Thank you for your mother skills and always opening your home to many visits. Andy I am so sorry for your loss. You and Bets were a great couple.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Betsy SPEARE's name
Memorial Events
for Betsy SPEARE
How to support Betsy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Betsy SPEARE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
