ELISABETH "BETTY" J. ROALD

Elisabeth Roald of LaConner died at her home on Wednesday, April 8, at age 86. She was a vibrant and amazing woman, who will be sorely missed.

Betty, as she was known to all of her friends and family, was born on October 16, 1928. Her parents were James and Elisabeth Johnston.

Betty was born and raised in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School before attending the University of Washington. She graduated with a teaching degree and spent her career teaching in Seattle Public Schools. She was known as an educator who taught with passion and creativity, devoting herself to helping each student grow, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

While at the University of Washington, she met the love of her life, Ola Roald. They were married in 1951, and were devoted to each other until his death in 2012.

Together, they enjoyed many activities and interests, particularly enjoying their years sailing and traveling. At the core of their long and happy life together was their shared belief that if you focus on the important things in life, faith and family, everything else will fall into place.

They shared their faith and love of music by singing together in church choirs for more than 50 years. They also became founding members of the Shelter Bay Chorus. Their shared love of music was the basis for many of the lifelong friendships they formed.

Betty was never one to be idle and kept her mind active and sharp with a wide range of activities and groups of friends, who were central to her life. Even as mobility became more of a challenge, she continued to read voraciously, attend book clubs, play bridge, attend TOPS, and volunteer with Friends of the Library. Through these activities, she developed friendships that sustained her and filled her life with blessings.

Betty was always present for her family. Her wit, intelligence, love and gift for conversation cannot be replaced. She was one of those spirits who left the world in a better place, one small bit at a time.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ola and daughter, Barbara.

She is survived by son, John Roald; daughter-in-law, Rita Roald; daughter, Cheryl Sandstrom; son-in-law, David Sandstrom; two grandchildren, Tyler and Andrew Sandstrom; and brother, Jim Johnston.

A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2015 E. Blackburn Rd., in Mount Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Friends of the La Conner Library.