Wednesday, April 29, 2020
We Bettendorf's had the absolute privilege of knowing Mary for more than 30 years including her last 5 years up here in Portland. We knew her as our dear sister-in-laws mother, our God-Children's Nona, our dear friend, and she was our children's Nona (too). Mary was one of us. When she arrived our collective Oregon Family headcount became a prideful 10 places at the family table. Mary added value offering inspiration around a healthy living spirit, competitiveness, detail orientation, keeping a smile, and how to laugh (right up until the last time we saw her several weeks ago). When articulating some of these things were no longer possible one could count on Mary's body of work, the actions she took in life, as standing good examples of how she thought. Kristen and I admired Mary for her deep love, devotion and involvement with all things Bruce & Debbie Foster, which often times included us. Her three grandchildren, Mark, Alyssa, and Camille, whether they were babies or adults, meant the world to her. Mary enveloped herself with them to the end. I remember traveling a few volleyball tournaments with her. The days would be very long and at the end of many matches she would ask 'if we could stay and watch another team that we "might" play tomorrow!' And, she was likely up for a round of cards or dice after! It was priceless to see just how social she was with her life. Thankfully, she let us into it. She never stopped enjoying competition and games to exercise that need to interact, think, and love others. In return all of us up here in Oregon, including our own extended family and friends, adored and respected Mary right up to her beautiful day, March 30, 2020, when she left us. (Strategically we're sure)
Our heart felt love and support goes out to all that knew Mary, and especially to Debbie, Bruce, Mark, Alyssa, and Camille. We are truly grateful for our time with her and we are better people for having done so. We pray that Mary rest in peace with our hope through the grace of God that we meet again.
Love always,
Jeff and Kristen Bettendorf & Family
Portland, Oregon
