Elizabeth Perry Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" M. Perry Betty Perry, lifelong Sacramento resident, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015. She was born on June 2, 1923, and exactly 21 years later, and with her newly minted BA from Cal, she was hired by the Sacramento City Schools. She taught at Kit Carson Jr. High for four years and, in 1948, began her long, rewarding career as a teacher and counselor at C.K. McClatchy High School. While at McClatchy she was an avid supporter of student activities, especially sports. She herself was an accomplished skier, swimmer, and golfer. In 1977 at age 54 she married her good friend and co-worker, Calvin Perry. With this marriage she inherited an instant family of 3 step children and 6 step grandchildren. She and Mr. Perry had only seven years together, but they were filled with much love and happiness and lots of travel. On the death of Mr. Perry in 1984, Betty entered the realm of volunteer service. She became active in the Older Women's League (OWL), and held many positions in OWL including president of the Sacramento chapter, president of OWL-CA, Coordinator of Education & Research, and Director of Public Policy. In addition to OWL she was active in many other advocacy groups. Betty was the only child of the late Robert John Riley and Leah Blackwell Riley. In addition to several cousins, she leaves 2 stepchildren: Richard Perry (Kitty) of Bodega Bay and Dorothy Perry Wensink (Pieter, deceased) of Wellesley, MA. She was predeceased by stepson Charles Perry. She leaves grandchildren Christopher Perry, Jessica Perry, and Thomas, Joseph, and Alan Wensink. She was predeceased by grandson David Perry. She also leaves great grandchildren Chaz and Carson Perry and Maggie, Charlie, Cindy, and Melanie Wensink. Services for Betty will be held on Friday, May 15, at 2:00 at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to OWL-CA (OWL-CA General Fund, OWL Sacramento, PO Box 161646, Sacramento, CA 95816-1646) or to Health Access California either online or at Health Access Foundation, 1127 11th St., Suite 234, Sacramento, CA 95814.