Catherine "Betty" Elizabeth Wenzel

Catherine "Betty" Wenzel, beloved wife, mother, and cherished friend, passed away in the early hours of April 3rd, 2024. Born on January 25, 1935, in Manhattan, New York, to Benjamin and Margaret Shore, she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and boundless generosity.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe Wenzel, but they will be reunited as his ashes will be interred with her. She was the oldest of 3 siblings Mary Margaret and Benjamin (Caroline) Shore. She was a devoted mother to her children: JoLynn (Trevor) Garrett, Joe Wenzel Jr., Rebecca (Zachary) Dougherty, and Mariele Wenzel. Betty's family extended beyond blood ties, including her eight grandchildren, Dawson (Mekenna), Eathan, Zachary, Joshua, Thomas, Marlena, Drew, and Rose, whom she adored beyond measure.

Betty's life was one of service and compassion. She graduated from Endicott College with an Associate of Arts degree, but her true education came from her experiences as a foster parent for over 30 years. Alongside her husband, she opened her heart and home to over 200 children, providing them with love, stability, and hope. Foster parenting was not merely a duty for Betty; it was her passion, her calling, and her life's work. Her nurturing spirit touched the lives of countless children, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and souls.

Betty will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her gentle spirit, and her boundless capacity for love. Her legacy of selflessness and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Betty's memories of Maui will forever be cherished by those who knew her best. In her heart, the spirit of Aloha lived on, a reminder of the moments of pure bliss and contentment that she found amidst the beauty of the Hawaiian paradise.

Bill and Jerrianne Robert's were more than just friends and travel companions; they were kindred spirits who shared the love of the islands that became backdrops of some of her most cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to organizations supporting foster care and child welfare, in honor of Betty's lifelong commitment to nurturing and protecting vulnerable children.

Though she may no longer walk among us, Betty's memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, forever cherished and deeply missed. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved Joe, in the embrace of everlasting love.

A funeral service for Betty will be held Monday, April 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208.