Elizabeth Biever

Betty June Biever, a fiery, red-haired, lover of life, passed away peacefully in her home near Denver on March 17, 2023, at the age of 99 and 3/4. Fittingly, she was celebrating her 100th St. Patrick’s Day with family and a bottle of Bailey’s by her side.

Born in Minneapolis to second-generation Irish immigrants on June 25, 1923, Elizabeth (Betty) Garrity was the youngest of six children, including four older sisters and a brother. She moved to Chicago as a young girl and was by all accounts a force to be reckoned even at an early age, reportedly raising a little hell in Catholic school before settling down and meeting her future husband, Theodore Biever Sr. The two wrote one another all throughout World War II, during which time Ted – a technical sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps – was shot out of the sky, captured by German forces, and held captive in a P.O.W. camp Stalig XVIIB for nearly two years before he escaped. But even that couldn’t keep them apart for long.

After the war ended, Betty and Ted wed in 1946. The two wasted no time in starting a family and ultimately welcomed five beloved children before moving from Chicago to the nearby suburbs of Rockford, Ill. Betty and Ted divorced in 1971 but remained close friends for the remainder of their lives. After her children were grown, Betty relocated to South Florida and began a new career with the U.S. Customs Service. She retired at the age of 75 but never slowed down. She eventually moved west near Colorado family, and lived out the rest of her golden years with zest and joy, with space for family to often visit, and always ready for a round of cards, dice or bingo.

Betty’s positive attributes are too many to name, but her favorite cardinal sin was much easier to identify: Pride. More than anything, Betty took pride in and cherished her family – whether they be blood or adopted. She is survived by three daughters (Bonnie, barbara, and Patti), one son (Theodore Jr.), 11 grandchildren, 23 great, two great-great grandchildren and dozens of those adopted family members nationwide. Betty was preceded in death by one son (Timothy) and two grandsons (Troy and Kurt). There’s little doubt she’s already shooting dice with them in heaven – hopefully they remembered to bring some quarters.

Betty felt blessed to have always been surrounded by family and dear friends. Her infectious personality, enthusiasm for life, and, yes, memorable name left a mark everywhere she went. She had many talents but perhaps none she valued more than an ability to bring her loved ones together and make sure they had a great time. Betty enjoyed a drink (or three) now and again, and had a particular fondness for Irish liqueur (as well as anything else celebrating her Irish heritage with four-leaf clovers or a splash of Kelly green).

Betty will be forever remembered by all who crossed her path for her unflinching spirit, unfiltered opinions, and unwavering love of family. She will be deeply missed.

Colorado Funeral Services will be held on April 5 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:30 for Rosary, 11:00 Mass, 11:45 Bagpipers, followed by Pastries and Coffee at Affinity of Lafayette.

Celebration of Life planned by and honoring Betty's 100th Birthday will be held at Waneka Lake Park, June 24.

Mass is also scheduled at St. Rita's Church, Rockford, IL on Sept. 3, for her IL families, with details to follow at later date on the subsequent gathering.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
Marine Corp Toys For Tots Foundation
In Memory of Elizabeth Biever
Gift Processing Admin
18251 Quantico Gateway Dr
Triangle, VA 22172
www.toysfortots.org