Betty Louise Gordon

Gordon

Betty Louise Gordon

Don't look now, but Heaven is having a House Tour and is being decorated for the Holidays, to be followed by a Puppet Show, and a High Tea! An incredibly artistic and talented wife, mother and friend, Betty Louise Gordon has taken her love and talents on the road, passing peacefully from this life (leaving just before dessert!) at age 96 on December 7, 2023.

Born November 18, 1927 in Seattle, Washington. The eldest daughter of Norman Bradley DeKay and Florence Border DeKay, Betty and younger sister Laverne grew up in Helena, MT. It was while attending Montana State University and working a summer job at Yellowstone National Park that she met her future husband "Pete" Gordon. This was the start of a 56-year love affair and partnership. After marrying, they moved to Washington, DC to continue Pete's education. Following graduation, he accepted a job at St. Albans School for Boys, where he ultimately became Assistant Headmaster in charge of the Lower School. As part of the deal, St. Albans, and the Washington National Cathedral also got the superbly artistic and talented Betty!

Betty served as President of the Washington National Cathedral All Hallows Guild, worked in the Herb Cottage Gift Shop and co-founded the very popular National Cathedral Tea in the Tower, served from the highest point in the Nation's Capital. She was also the inspiration behind the annual Flower Mart Puppet Show, which she created, and along with a small coterie of dear (and slightly bent) friends, entertained every May for over 40 years. It still runs to this day guided by her daughter Allison. Betty was also responsible for the annual Teddy Bear Tea, a holiday tradition for kids.

While suffering from crippling arthritis for the last 10 years, she never lost her generous spirit or her joy for life. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Most recently we thank the caregivers of Maplewood, who took such great care of her. She considered and loved them as family.

Born Betty Louise DeKay, she was preceded in death by her parents Norman Bradley DeKay and Florence Border DeKay. A sister Laverne, and her husband Gordon Kostyk, and by her beloved husband and partner A. Wayne (Pete) Gordon, Jr.

She is survived by her son Stephen Gordon and his wife Lee of Nelson County, VA; a daughter Allison Lineberger of Reston, VA; a daughter Ellen Sears and her husband Matthew of Tucson, AZ. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Caitlin Gordon Heiser and her husband Kyle of Richmond, VA; Andrew Gordon and his wife Kate of River Forest, IL; Margaret Blair Lineberger of Reston, VA, and a great-grandchild Gray Shepherd Gordon of River Forest, IL.

Donations in remembrance may be made to the All Hallows Guild of the Washington National Cathedral. A Family Memorial Service will be held graveside at a future date.