Victoria "Betty" Quanstrom

After a long and healthy life, we lost Aunt Elizabeth “Betty” Quanstrom to a sudden ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.  She passed away on May 5, 2019 at age 97.

Betty was born on June 25, 1921 in Roseburg, Oregon.  Her family lived on a farm south of Roseburg.  She had an older sister Hatti.

After Betty graduated from Roseburg High School, her father insisted she take a home study course offered by the American Academy of Accountancy.  The class included a study of accounting and commercial law.  She received a diploma.

Betty’s school friend Ethel was anxious for her to move to Portland and share an apartment.  Once in Portland, Betty attended Northwestern School of Commerce.  Upon completing her course work, she was hired at Northwest Ice and Cold Storage Co. where she worked for 36 years until retirement.

After World War II, Betty met Harry Quanstrom at the Palais Royal.  All the bells went ringing for them and they began a long romance.  In 1950 they were married at First Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Betty said, “Marrying Harry brought me the happiest years of my life.”

After Betty and Harry retired, they enjoyed traveling to Norway and Sweden.  They also visited the Hawaiian Islands often, plus a cruise to Alaska and trips around the US.

Betty lost her dear Harry after 45 years of marriage.  To fill the time, she volunteered at church, played in the Bell Choir and attended Bible Studies, two Swedish lodges and the Birthday Club.

Eventually Betty decided to sell her home of 50 years in the Overlook Neighborhood and move to The Springs at Clackamas Woods, Independent Living.  Later she entered their Assisted Living.  Betty had many good friends and good times at “The Springs”.  She is survived by 2 nephews and 5 nieces.  Sweet Betty was dearly loved and will be missed by friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1 pm, Wed., May 29, 2019 at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Betty’s memory to the Pipe Organ Restoration Fund at First Immanuel Lutheran Church.