Elizabeth Mae (Bette) Swiberg, 84 died on June 26, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker City, Ore., surrounded by family.
A Memorial service will be held Friday, July 6, 2007, 11 a.m. at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Ore., (enter through gate 2 and meet in the funeral home.)
Elizabeth Mae (Bette) was born on May 19, 1923, in Beverly Park, near Everett, Wash., to John Frederick and Victoria (Goralski) Gaeth. The family moved to Portland, Ore., where Elizabeth graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941.
Bette received her nursing diploma from St. Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, Wash., and worked as an RN in adult and pediatric nursing, spending many years at the original Children’s Clinic in downtown Portland, Ore.
Bette married John W. Swiberg (Jack) Sept. 14, 1946, and lived in Portland, Ore., for many years. They raised three children, John Anthony, Cynthia Marie and David Michael. In 1973 Bette and Jack had their “dream” home designed and built along Rock Creek, in Stevenson, Wash. Bette often referred to this special place as “God’s country.” This was the site of many happy family gatherings. Bette loved this home and was very fond of reading, quilting, cooking and gardening until her eyesight began to fail.
Bette loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was able to spend the last few months of her life closer to them after moving to Baker City, Ore. She was especially close to JR, his wife, Dana and their children, who helped her with this move.
Bette is survived by her children, John Swiberg of Beaumont, Texas, Cynthia Bradley of Portland, Ore; grandchildren, JR, Tori, Ramona, Robert, Chea, Krystal, Scott and Ellicia; great grandchildren, Nicole, Kayla, Rachel, Tyler, Mahairi and Haeden; life long friend and cousin, Lois Blackburn and her family; special friend, Joanne Gildersleeve and her family, as well as many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John (Jack) William Gaeth, Richard (Dick) Edward Gaeth; son, David Michael Swiberg.
“We love and we’ll miss you Nannie”
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Elizabeth (Bette) may do so to the charity of your choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, July 5, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
