Obituary of Betty Jean Connolly

Betty Jean Connolly was born in Sedro-Woolley, Washington to parents Henry and Josephine Krieger. She was raised in Mt. Vernon, Washington alongside her siblings: Donald, Donna, Delmer, Hazel and Lorraine. After high school, she was awarded an art scholarship and moved to Portland, Oregon to pursue her career and education in arts. She soon married Richard Curry Connolly and together they raised 9 children. Betty was a woman of many talents, a true artist. Not only did she raise 7 girls and 2 boys, she had several trades throughout life. When she first moved to Portland, Betty worked as a candy striper, volunteering alongside nurses and doctors. She was learning X-ray before she became pregnant with her first born daughter. After becoming a mother, she was very involved with her kids; designing costumes for all of their tap-dancing, jazz and hula recitals. She became one of the founders of the highly recognized Portland’s Saturday Market. Known as “The Weed Lady” and “Bloomer” she created and sold handmade items from flower decor to dolls, for over 25 years. In her later years Betty dedicated her time to crocheting and knitting. She spent her days effortlessly constructing hats, scarfs, booties and shawls with every pattern off the top of her head. Betty and Dick were married on a Saturday, November 27th, 1954. They lived, worked and raised their children in the suburbs of NE Portland. Betty loved to cook and made the most unforgettable dinners, loaded dinner plates that linger in your mind, like you can still smell and taste them to this day. Her home was always an open door to her family and you could literally smell supper before even stepping inside. The smells of eucalyptus, yarrow, and baby’s breath, the slight whiffs of hot glue-gun, floral paint and all the aromas of her artistic passions floating throughout the house as well. The handmade silk flowers bundled in mason jars, the stacks of wreaths at Christmas, the green floral tape and wire strewn out in front of her. The overflowing baskets of wool-yarn and the finely knit pastel bonnets, booties and cardigans piled high for all of the grand-babies. Betty was a strong, beautiful woman with a great smile and a memorable laugh. Family was very important to her. She was like a second mother to many of her grandchildren. She was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Betty passed away at the age of 87 years-old. She struggled with dementia and grew tired.She gave her last farewells on Monday, July 29th, 2019 at 3:00pm. Betty is survived by: Sisters: Hazel Anderson Lorraine Krieger Children: Maryanne Connolly, Kathy Kitchen, Carron Coday, Colleen Connolly, Barbara Gotchall, Rebecca Finch and Carolyn Martin. Grand-Children: Brian and Melissa Locke Billy Kitchen and Jennifer Masseth Carrie Gallagher Justin Connolly and Whitney Woolstenhulme Kevin Lamvik and Sean Connolly Sarah Finch, Brandon Finch and Andrea Elliott Michael, Amy and Angela Gotchall Jason Parkhurst Jacob Martin Great Grand Children & 20 Great Grand-Children and 2 Great, Great Grand-Children Proceeded in death by: Mother and Father: Henry and Josephine (Lewis) Krieger Siblings: Donald Krieger Donna Josephine Allen Delmar Krieger Husband: Richard Curry Connolly (1998) Children: Richard Michael Connolly (2011) and William Robert Connolly (2018) Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 12, 2019 at Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR 97086. Viewing at 11:30am followed by services and reception.