Betty Louise Zynda

Betty Louise Zynda

Betty was born July 15, 1928, to Edna and Elvin Catto in Oregon City. She was the middle child; the  only daughter, and sister to Theodore and Elvin Jr.

Betty graduated from Milwaukie High School and remained in the Portland area where she worked as a Teamster for the Safeway warehouse and raised her daughters Susan and Roberta.

In 1990, Betty fulfilled a lifelong dream to be near the ocean and joined her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Dew Scott Brady in Brookings.

In 1992, Betty met her beloved George Zynda and together they spent nine years making the most of their retirement, happily traveling and fishing. After making arrangements to be married in Brookings, the couple’s plans were interrupted when George had a medical emergency and was hospitalized in McKinleyville, Calif. Not wanting to put their plans on hold, Betty reapplied for a marriage license in California and George and Betty were married in the Mad River Hospital courtyard on Father’s Day, 2000. Mad River provided the cake and flowers and the local news station shared their love story with the world.

Betty’s youngest daughter, Roberta “Bobbie” Atay, moved to Brookings in 2003. They were inseparable and best friends for the remainder of Betty’s life. Having both daughters as her constant companions was a constant joy for Betty.

Her life revolved around laughing, loving and caring for her family and many dear friends. She adored her nickname “funny grandma” and kept her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always close to her heart.

Betty is survived by her brother and sister-in law Elvin Jr. and Jan Catto, and their three children and grandchildren; daughters Susan and Dew Scott Brady, their seven children and six grandchildren; youngest daughter Bobbie Atay and her daughter and granddaughter; George’s daughters Patti and Chris and their families.

Preceding Betty in death were her parents; older brother Theodore; husband George.

A Celebration of Life is planned for later in the year.

Submitted by the family.