Elizabeth Westerlund

Elizabeth (Betty) Westerlund, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at her home at the Bickford Assisted Living Community in Okemos, Michigan. Born November 2, 1925, in Glasgow, Scotland, Betty began her lifelong love of traveling at six months of age when she sailed across the ocean with her parents, Lillias and Robert Henderson, to begin a new life in Toronto, Canada. After staying in Toronto for awhile, the family moved to Windsor, Canada, and then eventually to Detroit, Michigan.

Betty graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1944. She then worked for Army Intelligence for five years. Betty attended night school at Detroit Commercial College for two years, and she then began her career as an executive secretary with Getsinger-Fox Company. Betty worked for more than 30 years until her retirement.

Over her lifetime, Betty continued to travel with family and friends throughout the United States as well as many countries around the world. She cultivated many life long friendships, even some that began in elementary school. Family and friends were always the highest priority in Betty’s life. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty was unmatched in her devotion to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a true role model of unconditional love and generosity to all of them.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern “Sonny” Westerlund. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, LaVern joined the Dearborn Police Department where he remained until his retirement.

Betty will missed and lovingly remembered by her sister, Lillias (Larry) Colwell; her children, Linda (James) Stropkai, Thomas Guina and

Betty Ann Guina; her grandchildren, Melissa (James) Downs, Scott (Angela) Stropkai, Kristin (Derrick) Kring, Laura (Kevin) Schaeffer; and her great-grandchildren, Sara, Jenna, Grant, Owen, Kayden, Benjamin and Charlie.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the Bickford staff over the years who loved and cared for Betty and her dog, Teddy, until he passed away a year ago. There are no words to adequately express how much they are appreciated for providing Betty and Teddy, not only with exceptional care, but also for sharing and giving from their hearts in countless ways every single day. They will forever be held in the hearts of Betty’s family.

In accordance with Betty’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where her beloved dog, Teddy was adopted.