Betty French Landberg | Passages

Betty French Landberg passed away at her home on Jensen Bay on San Juan Island on Aug. 7, 2010 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

She was 87.

She was born in Willows, Calif., on May 15, 1923 to Curry and Lula (Jacoby) French. Betty attended school in Willows and Mills College in Oakland, Calif.

In 1970, she bought her home on Jensen Bay, becoming a full-time resident in 1972. As time passed she increased the size of her farm, raising sheep and selling locker lamb for many years, adding a flock of laying hens and cashmere-producing goats to the operation later. She was always interested in the care and well-being of animals, whether domestic or wild. Her patience with newborn or young animals (beast or bird) seemed unlimited.

In the 1970s, Betty was a tireless supporter of the Friday Harbor High School music and athletic teams. Before transportation was available for all school activities, Betty drove music groups, girls’ and boys’ tennis, and girls’ basketball teams to off-island competitions. She accompanied the high school band on road trips for several years. She was also scorekeeper for the girls’ basketball teams for several years.

She is survived by her daughters, Jan and Kay Landberg; son-in-law, Jerry Greene; her partner of 47 years, Esther Plocher; and an extended family of caregivers, all of Friday Harbor.

Respecting her wishes, there will be no services. Remembrances may be made in her name to the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor or to the Nature Conservancy.

— Family of Betty French Landberg

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