Obituary of Betty Jane Duddleston

Betty Duddleston The family of Betty Duddleston mourns the passing of their beloved mother Betty, age 93. Betty, known to her family as “B,” was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 22, 1922 and brought up in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. She and her late husband Jim moved to St. Paul, Minnesota early in their marriage and raised their three children in Falcon Heights, Shoreview and St. Paul. In her early 50s Betty entered college at the University of Minnesota and at age 53 received a degree in psychology. She became an intern at the Ramsey County Department of Court Services during her college years. After receiving her degree, she was hired as a family court officer specializing in custody investigations, supervisions and mediations. Betty served in that capacity until 1988 and then continued working part-time until she was 71. Betty’s family will remember her in countless positive ways – as outgoing, intelligent, well-read, accepting and loyal. Always astute at assessing personal relationships, B was diplomatic and discrete about dispensing advice to family and friends. On her retirement a co-worker noted that “graciousness and an exceptional professionalism highlighted Betty’s career. She had a real concern for clients and her fellow workers.” Betty had a wonderful singing voice and sang in church choirs until she was in her late eighties. Her dislike of cold Minnesota winters fueled a long love affair with Florida. The many friendships she made there were a highlight of her later years. Betty is survived by her daughter Susan of Denver, her son David (Janet) of Mendota Heights and Meridee (Harvey) of Philadelphia. She is also survived by six grandchildren Steve (Jennifer), David (Wendy), Douglas (Emily), Andrew (Julia), Benjamin (Danya) and Melissa (Jason) along with seven great-grandchildren, Greta, Ethan, Clyde, Everett, Sophia, Dylan and Julian. A special thank you to everyone at Sholom Home East who was part of B’s world during these last two years. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 4 p.m. at the Becketwood Chapel, 4300 West River Parkway, Mpls., MN 55406. Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to The James and Betty Duddleston Family Endowment Fund, YMCA Camp du Nord, 2125 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls., MN 55413.