ELIZABETH L. MEARS

ELIZABETH MEARS Obituary

ELIZABETH LYON MEARS
On Wednesday, June 27, 2012, Elizabeth L. "Betty" Mears passed away at her home in Springfield, VA. Born in Fayetteville, TN, she moved to DC in early childhood and brought dauntless energy and optimism to every facet of her eventful life. Her legacy is a living one, apparent in the generations of local and far-reaching admirers who credit her with inciting their zeal for natural beauty and artistic expression. Her love of music informed nearly all her pursuits, from her years as a beloved piano teacher to her leadership role in the Celebration Singers and long-term participation in the Fairfax Choral Society. When declining health forced her to limit her activities, she kept music central to her life, trading the choral risers for a seat in the audience at FCS concerts and fondly revisiting the films of her childhood hero, Deanna Durbin. Not even sickness could curb her appetite for reading, and the necessity of entering a retirement village meant for her the chance to join yet another book club. Gardening, tennis and Hospice volunteering stand among her passion projects, but her undisputed masterpiece is her large and appreciative family: Frederick D. Mears, her husband of 62 years; sons Robert, Douglas, Gary and Richard; daughters-in-law Susan, Diana, Lisa and Holly; and grandchildren Steven, Sarah, Daniel, Andrew, William, Katie, Jamie and Jason. We'll remember joining her on nature walks, her enthusiasm palpable as she identified every tree in the forest. We'll remember her gratitude for all acts of kindness, no matter how slight. We'll remember her insatiable curiosity-her singular gift for making every moment matter. She was eighty-four, and cut down in her prime. A memorial service will be held at Springfield United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 15 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Springfield United Methodist Church Endowment Fund."I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me."

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Published by The Washington Post from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ELIZABETH MEARS

13 Entries

Jane Winans

July 18, 2012

I knew Betty at the McLean Racquet and Health Club. She was a tennis partner and a water aerobics friend. She was such a lovely lady. I admired her for her devotion to her mother during her illness. I know how much she loved music and was concerned about giving her music scores to people who would cherish them as she did. My prayers are with the family.
Betty fought a good fight and she is at peace with our Lord now.

July 15, 2012

Fred, I am so sorry to hear the news of Betty. It was a pleasure getting to know both of you on our wonderful trip on the Minerva. Joan Leonard

midge holmes

July 14, 2012

Betty was a dear friend. I miss her.

July 13, 2012

Fred, we are so grateful to have known Betty, albeit for such a short time at Greenspring. We will miss her friendliness and her smile.

Woody and Carolyn Padgett

Darrell Montgomery

July 5, 2012

Rick and the whole Mears Family, My sincerest sympathy at the passing of your mother. Having lost a parent, I have experienced the grief but also know the solace that they have moved on to a better place. You are with my family's prayers.

Beverly Todaro

July 3, 2012

Betty and I shared many afternoons playing piano duets, tennis or walking around our homes in McLean. She worked as a Hospice volunteer among other volunteer duties. Anyone was a better person for knowing Betty and I will cherish my memories of her. May God look kindly on her wonderful family during this difficult time.

Tracy Stevenson

July 3, 2012

Rick and Mears family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad she is at peace and out of pain. The obituary written was absolutely beautiful and gave us who didn't know her an insight into a good person, mom and wife. Prayers to all of you as you say good-bye for now. .

Helen Rusnak

July 2, 2012

Doug, I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a mother is a special kind of grief. She gave you much, as witnessed by your love of music. She was a role model for her family and her community.She will always be remembered for her many kindnesses.

scott stevenson

July 2, 2012

I had the pleasure to meet and know Mrs. Mears while growing up in West Springfield. She was a remarkable person. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jean and John Gray

July 1, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Paul Markowski

July 1, 2012

I only had the opportunity to meet Betty once; she was a delight. I have known her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson for 18 years. I know that her sons and grandchildren give her many reasons to smile in Heaven. I am confident that she is no longer in pain and she has been greeted warmly by family and friends and Our Lord.

Joanne Paulson

June 30, 2012

Mrs. Mears....a name that I've said over and over for 50 years of my life. Mrs. Mears...my piano teacher. Mrs. Mears...my Mom's best friend. Mrs. Mears...a daily visit to her house for a glass of lemonade. Mrs. Mears....showed me how to appreciate music. Mrs. Mears...told me how much my mom loved me. Mrs. Mears....called me quarterly. Mrs. Mears...came daily as my mother slowly declined with her own battle against cancer. Mrs. Mears...only cried when we all weren't watching. Mrs. Mears....hosted family meals with laughter and love. Mrs. Mears....told me to make hotdogs for Christmas day dinner. Mrs. Mears...never stopped telling Sue, Steve, and me just how wonderful our mother was. Mrs. Mears.....shared her love with us. Mrs. Mears....called us often to find out more about our lives. Mrs. Mears loved us like her own. Mrs. Mears....WAS my other mother......................and I loved her like my own.

Mike Butters

June 30, 2012

Mrs Mears was one of the most gracious and lovely ladies I've ever known. She was not only kind and warm, but she treated Rick's friends as one of her own and was--in our teenage parlance of the 70's--"one cool mom!" Fred & Betty's house was a great place to visit! God Bless the Mears family. Our heartfelt prayers for you all. Mike & Ellen Butters.

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