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Betty Jean Wishkoski
05/16/1921 — 09/27/2002
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Lewiston, Idaho
Betty Jean Wishkoski
Betty Jean Weisgerber Wishkoski, 81, of Kennewick, devoted to God, music, children, learning and gardening, died peacefully Friday, September 27,2002 at the Tri-Cities Hospice House. While electing to improve her quality of life, death surprised Betty, her family and her many friends.
Betty Jean Weisgerber Wishkoski was born in Lewiston, Idaho, May 16, 1921. Her many academic graduations reflect her life-long love of learning and include Whitman College 1943, Bachelor of Arts in English and Music and Heritage College 1980, Master's of Education in Counseling. Betty's teaching legacy began with her first job as junior high school band and choral director in Vancouver, Washington and ended as an English teacher and guidance counselor in the Toppenish School District. Betty loved school and continued to teach and counsel children for twenty-five years. She inspired students with her vibrant personality, creativity and a philosophy of teaching with deep respect and love for each student.
As a young woman, the call of World War II and city lights brought her to San Francisco where she met Stan Wishkoski, who became her husband of fifty-four years. In 1946, they married and made their early homes in Oakland, Walla Walla, Yakima, and settled down to raise their family in Toppenish, Washington. As a forty-year resident of Toppenish, Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, career woman and community activist.
She devoted her time and talents to causes for the benefit of her community and ''Toppenish Pride.'' She was Toppenish's chairman of the 1989 Washington State Centennial celebration. Through her insight and that of her committee, she initiated the Toppenish Mural Society, triggering the beginning of the Toppenish community's historical mural projects. Also, with several local historians, she organized the Toppenish Historical Society, which branched from the Friends of the Library and Museum.
She enjoyed the company of friends and colleagues as a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, serving as charter president of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers' Honorary Sorority and as president of the Toppenish Education Association. She was selected Toppenish's Teacher of the Year in 1980.
Her free-flowing energy was a reflection of her love of life and devotion to her faith in God. Since moving to Kennewick in 1997, she was embraced by the Kennewick and Richland Newcomers' Associations, the Tri-City Country Club and the Kennewick St. Joseph's Parish community.
Betty is survived by Susan Wishkoski and husband Jim Nichols of Bangor, Maine, and their children Lauren and Payson; Gregg Wishkoski and wife Laurie Redman Wishkoski of Richland, and their children Kelly, Alex, and Maureen; Mary Wishkoski Ferluga and husband Chris of Kennewick and their daughter Elizabeth; Mike Wishkoski and wife Linda Slentz Wishkoski of Seattle, and their children Rachel and Sam; nephews Frank Stewart of Bellevue, and Bill Stewart of Seattle. Her husband, Stan Wishkoski, and her sister, Marjorie Stewart of Walla Walla, preceded her in death.
The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses and chaplains at Kadlec Medical Center as well as the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House for their care and support of Betty. .
A Rosary service will be held on Friday October 4 at 7:30 PM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 5,2002 at 11 :00 AM to be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 520 S. Garfield Street, Kennewick, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Tri- Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, Washington 99336 or the Friends of Mary L. Goodrich Library, 1 South Elm Street, Toppenish, Washington 98948.
We have the fonest memories of Betty. She was such a lady and loved her town and worked hard in it. We were blessed to have both of our daughters have her for a teacher. The love they felt for her, and what a fine teacher she was. To me she was the person who said” I will pick you up to go to the Republican womens meeting” and
she did and was an inspiration for me to become a member also. We shared alot of good laughs. We know you as a family will miss her alot, but we also know you have your memories that you
that you have have will bewith you the rest of your lives. ..Thank you for sharing her with all of us. A spical hug for you Mike, the girls still talk about you working with them at the pool. God bless you all.
With love
Al and Lavonda
Mrs Wishkoski was my 7th grade teacher back in 61. She was more than a teacher to me, she was my friend. I had not experienced this before, or later in school. One day I had my Hammabacker’s skirt rolled up thinking I looked like a girl in class that had on a Janzen outfit. Well she took me aside and told me ” Susie you need to unroll your skirt honey. Your short little legs dont and won’t look like the ones in the Janzen skirt”. She knew what I was thinking and she did the best thing for my self esteem that day. She told me to be myself! I have carried that with me for all of my life. Through the years as we saw each other I always called her Mrs Wishkoski, not to long before they moved to the Tri Cities, she said “Susie you can call me Betty”. I told I couldn’t. She asked me why? and I said, because I respect you to much. She gave me a hug and told me thanks. She was a wonderfull women. Besides the things she did for the community, she touched a lot of kids in those class rooms. As she did me. I don’t care to be called Susie, but with her it was special!
Sincerely, Susan Brumback
I was deeply saddened by the news of Mrs. Wishkoski’s death. She was one of my very favorite teachers.I learned so much from her and held her in such high regard and esteem. She is one of the reasons I became a teacher. I thank God for her life and her influence in mine. My deepest sympathy to all of you. God bless.
We are sorry to read about Betty’s passing. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family.
We were extremely fortunite to be associated with Stan & Betty through Marquette High School. Our son Rick StMary & Gregg were friends in high school and that has been a lasting friendship.
I also had the pleasure of associating with Betty at Mt Adams golf club. We played bridge and golf together.
We’ll remember her for her vibrant smile and personality.
We are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing….her and Stan were very good friends not only from working with Stan at Del Monte and going to the parties but to the guidance Betty gave us in the education of our children…she was very opinionated as far as when we should start our son Stephen in school..he had a late July birthday and she recommended not to send him until he was seven years old…….it was the best thing we ever did…he not only did very well in school but also sports because of another year of growth…he is now 40 years old and he and his wife Tammy Brownhave five children. Betty was the type of lady that no matter where you saw her she would take the time to ask how everything was…she made you feel special after you visited with her. Our daughter Lori and husband Eric Martinen also send their condolences along with our son, Steve and Tammy Brown Bangs. Betty’s vibrant personality will surely be missed. Take care and God bless.
Betty and Marj were childhood neighborhood friends of mine in Lewiston. I am sorry to here of your loss especially so close to Stan’s and Marj’s passing. I am sorry I can’t make it to the rosary or funeral but my prayers are certainly with you.
Sincerely,
Joe Kavanaugh
Betty was a wonderful associate at Toppenish Middle School. I remember her fondly. Her gracious, wise, loving, humorous, strong “always there for you” attitude was indeed a treasure for all of those around her. She is one whose life and spirit will always be remembered affectionately.
Thanks for the opportunity to send this since I cannot attend the service. Blessings to you, her family!
Valerie Barger
Mike and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Both your parents made our lives richer for knowing them, as they did for all of you. May all the wonderful memories, warmth, and love, help you in the days ahead. Gone, but not forgotten, could not be more appropriate.
Jerry and Carol
Dear Wishkoski Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear about your mother. Words cannot express my sympathy. When I think about her many things come to mind, mostly her laugh! She was blessed with the gift of laughter and could make everyone join in!
Scott & I reflected on our fond memories of her and we had many! Our initial tears of saddness quickly faded into similes as we discussed our memories of her life. She had quite a sense of humor! We realized what a full life she had, and that she was very loved.
I know she is in heaven with your dad ~ happy, singing, dancing, and of course…laughing!
Remember the happy times, the laughter and love. It is those times that will continue to live forever in our hearts!
Our Love & Prayers are with you all, Mary Anne ‘Annie’, Scott, Kyle & Ryan Stobaugh
Greg, Mary Elizabeth, Michael, Susan,
I have fond memories of visiting you guys on weekends , when you all lived in Toppenish and we lived in Yakima around 1962. Your Mother had the “Greatest laugh” I’ve ever heard. She was so enthusiastic and positiveaand has been an inspiration to me my whole life.
God bless each one of you, and give you strength through this most difficult time in your life.
Jack, Karen, Kellynn
To all of Betty’s Family,
What a wonderful person your mom was. She was
a wonderful teacher and a wonderful friend and
neighbor. I was so saddened but will have warm
and wonderful memories of her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Paula Hull
I just returned from the memorial service for your beloved mother. I know all too well how it feels to now be “orphaned” from your lifeline…your mother. Life is so precious and even though you have had yet one more good-bye than I, to your dad, I am sharing your lonliness and confusion. You had a wonderful tribute to your mom, and you and I both know that she is still laughing and smiling. Listen to her as she guides you through these difficult days ahead, when you all go back to your daily life routines before the middle of August. She will continue to whisper her wisdom in your ears. Listen for her in your gardens, at the stores, and in your quiet “alone” times. We were all blessed to have been a part of her life and she in ours. She will never be forgotten and always remembered with a hearty smile. God bless you all, and please keep in touch with us, way over here on the east side!! “/ Love, Stephanie
Sorry to hear of Betty Jeans passing. Although I haven’t seen her in many years, I grew up next door to the Weisgerbers and have many fond memories of Betty Jean and Margie, and their parents. It was a wonderful obituary, and did justice to what must have been a beautiful life.
Mary & Mike: I just heard of your mom’s passing. I adored that woman! She, more than any other person I have known in my life, inspired me to live life to it’s fullest. I thought/think of her often and even sent her a letter a couple years ago telling her how she was my favorite teacher of all time. I hope you are both doing well. Your mom, if I remember her well and I think I do is in heaven getting them angels organized and laughing! I will greatly miss her but will always, always remember her! Tammy
Dear Wishkoski Family,
I heard of Betty Wishkoski’s death yesterday while visiting my mother in Toppenish.
My first reaction was sadness which quickly turned to thankfulness for having this woman touch my life.
Many years ago she was instrumental in shaping my life. She was substituting for my regular 4th grade teacher. And I was struggling with long division – of all things! Mrs. Wishkosi’s elegant and down to earth explanation was perfect!
Without her caring and patience, I firmly believe that I would not have completed the education that I have and been able to enjoy the life that I do today.
Please allow our fond memories of this amazing woman to give you comfort.
We have the fonest memories of Betty. She was such a lady and loved her town and worked hard in it. We were blessed to have both of our daughters have her for a teacher. The love they felt for her, and what a fine teacher she was. To me she was the person who said” I will pick you up to go to the Republican womens meeting” and
she did and was an inspiration for me to become a member also. We shared alot of good laughs. We know you as a family will miss her alot, but we also know you have your memories that you
that you have have will bewith you the rest of your lives. ..Thank you for sharing her with all of us. A spical hug for you Mike, the girls still talk about you working with them at the pool. God bless you all.
With love
Al and Lavonda
Mrs Wishkoski was my 7th grade teacher back in 61. She was more than a teacher to me, she was my friend. I had not experienced this before, or later in school. One day I had my Hammabacker’s skirt rolled up thinking I looked like a girl in class that had on a Janzen outfit. Well she took me aside and told me ” Susie you need to unroll your skirt honey. Your short little legs dont and won’t look like the ones in the Janzen skirt”. She knew what I was thinking and she did the best thing for my self esteem that day. She told me to be myself! I have carried that with me for all of my life. Through the years as we saw each other I always called her Mrs Wishkoski, not to long before they moved to the Tri Cities, she said “Susie you can call me Betty”. I told I couldn’t. She asked me why? and I said, because I respect you to much. She gave me a hug and told me thanks. She was a wonderfull women. Besides the things she did for the community, she touched a lot of kids in those class rooms. As she did me. I don’t care to be called Susie, but with her it was special!
Sincerely, Susan Brumback
I was deeply saddened by the news of Mrs. Wishkoski’s death. She was one of my very favorite teachers.I learned so much from her and held her in such high regard and esteem. She is one of the reasons I became a teacher. I thank God for her life and her influence in mine. My deepest sympathy to all of you. God bless.
We are sorry to read about Betty’s passing. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family.
We were extremely fortunite to be associated with Stan & Betty through Marquette High School. Our son Rick StMary & Gregg were friends in high school and that has been a lasting friendship.
I also had the pleasure of associating with Betty at Mt Adams golf club. We played bridge and golf together.
We’ll remember her for her vibrant smile and personality.
We are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing….her and Stan were very good friends not only from working with Stan at Del Monte and going to the parties but to the guidance Betty gave us in the education of our children…she was very opinionated as far as when we should start our son Stephen in school..he had a late July birthday and she recommended not to send him until he was seven years old…….it was the best thing we ever did…he not only did very well in school but also sports because of another year of growth…he is now 40 years old and he and his wife Tammy Brownhave five children. Betty was the type of lady that no matter where you saw her she would take the time to ask how everything was…she made you feel special after you visited with her. Our daughter Lori and husband Eric Martinen also send their condolences along with our son, Steve and Tammy Brown Bangs. Betty’s vibrant personality will surely be missed. Take care and God bless.
Betty and Marj were childhood neighborhood friends of mine in Lewiston. I am sorry to here of your loss especially so close to Stan’s and Marj’s passing. I am sorry I can’t make it to the rosary or funeral but my prayers are certainly with you.
Sincerely,
Joe Kavanaugh
Betty was a wonderful associate at Toppenish Middle School. I remember her fondly. Her gracious, wise, loving, humorous, strong “always there for you” attitude was indeed a treasure for all of those around her. She is one whose life and spirit will always be remembered affectionately.
Thanks for the opportunity to send this since I cannot attend the service. Blessings to you, her family!
Valerie Barger
Mike and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Both your parents made our lives richer for knowing them, as they did for all of you. May all the wonderful memories, warmth, and love, help you in the days ahead. Gone, but not forgotten, could not be more appropriate.
Jerry and Carol
Dear Wishkoski Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear about your mother. Words cannot express my sympathy. When I think about her many things come to mind, mostly her laugh! She was blessed with the gift of laughter and could make everyone join in!
Scott & I reflected on our fond memories of her and we had many! Our initial tears of saddness quickly faded into similes as we discussed our memories of her life. She had quite a sense of humor! We realized what a full life she had, and that she was very loved.
I know she is in heaven with your dad ~ happy, singing, dancing, and of course…laughing!
Remember the happy times, the laughter and love. It is those times that will continue to live forever in our hearts!
Our Love & Prayers are with you all, Mary Anne ‘Annie’, Scott, Kyle & Ryan Stobaugh
Greg, Mary Elizabeth, Michael, Susan,
I have fond memories of visiting you guys on weekends , when you all lived in Toppenish and we lived in Yakima around 1962. Your Mother had the “Greatest laugh” I’ve ever heard. She was so enthusiastic and positiveaand has been an inspiration to me my whole life.
God bless each one of you, and give you strength through this most difficult time in your life.
Jack, Karen, Kellynn
To all of Betty’s Family,
What a wonderful person your mom was. She was
a wonderful teacher and a wonderful friend and
neighbor. I was so saddened but will have warm
and wonderful memories of her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Paula Hull
I just returned from the memorial service for your beloved mother. I know all too well how it feels to now be “orphaned” from your lifeline…your mother. Life is so precious and even though you have had yet one more good-bye than I, to your dad, I am sharing your lonliness and confusion. You had a wonderful tribute to your mom, and you and I both know that she is still laughing and smiling. Listen to her as she guides you through these difficult days ahead, when you all go back to your daily life routines before the middle of August. She will continue to whisper her wisdom in your ears. Listen for her in your gardens, at the stores, and in your quiet “alone” times. We were all blessed to have been a part of her life and she in ours. She will never be forgotten and always remembered with a hearty smile. God bless you all, and please keep in touch with us, way over here on the east side!! “/ Love, Stephanie
Sorry to hear of Betty Jeans passing. Although I haven’t seen her in many years, I grew up next door to the Weisgerbers and have many fond memories of Betty Jean and Margie, and their parents. It was a wonderful obituary, and did justice to what must have been a beautiful life.
Mary & Mike: I just heard of your mom’s passing. I adored that woman! She, more than any other person I have known in my life, inspired me to live life to it’s fullest. I thought/think of her often and even sent her a letter a couple years ago telling her how she was my favorite teacher of all time. I hope you are both doing well. Your mom, if I remember her well and I think I do is in heaven getting them angels organized and laughing! I will greatly miss her but will always, always remember her! Tammy
Dear Wishkoski Family,
I heard of Betty Wishkoski’s death yesterday while visiting my mother in Toppenish.
My first reaction was sadness which quickly turned to thankfulness for having this woman touch my life.
Many years ago she was instrumental in shaping my life. She was substituting for my regular 4th grade teacher. And I was struggling with long division – of all things! Mrs. Wishkosi’s elegant and down to earth explanation was perfect!
Without her caring and patience, I firmly believe that I would not have completed the education that I have and been able to enjoy the life that I do today.
Please allow our fond memories of this amazing woman to give you comfort.
Susan, Greg, Mary, and Mike: Our heart-felt condolences to all of you on the loss of your mother. No regular mother, teacher, human being, your Betty Wish. She was a human dynamo of personality, energy, and determination.
Tami and I knew her at different times and from different perspectives. She from being mentored as a new young art teacher at the junior high in the mid-70’s, and I from growing up with all of you. But we both saw the same wonderful qualities that now make the world poorer for their absence.
Gregg,
I send my condolences to you and your family. I see where you received your English inspiration. I didn’t know your Mother but I know how special she was to you. With her being the Teacher of the Year in 1980 shows also how special of a person she was. Glad to have you back in the Tri-Cities! May God Bless and comfort you, Laurie, and your family.
Grandpa, Dennis Rose
So very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a bright light in many of our lives. A great teacher and a good neighbor. She will be dearly missed. I only hope that time allows you to enjoy your memories and forget the pain.
Guestbook for
Betty Jean Wishkoski