Betty Ann Recchia

Heaven's gates opened and the choir sang for Betty Ann Recchia-Simon (also affectionately known as Mom, Grammy, Bbops, Betts, Friend, Miss Betty, Betty Boop) of Wenatchee, WA, on August 1, 2016, at Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, WA. She was born May 22, 1931 in Stanley, ND. At the age of 13, she moved with her parents to Wenatchee, WA and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1949. Betty Ann met Jerry (Germano) Recchia in Wenatchee and they were married in November of 1949 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wenatchee. The couple made their home in Wenatchee, where Betty Ann worked as a bookkeeper at the Cascadian Hotel in Wenatchee and had three children: David, Denise and Darcel. In later years, you could find Betty at Zales Jewelers, where she had so much fun helping customers find just the right thing to express their love. Jerry preceded Betty Ann in death in 2001. Betty Ann was very active in the community. She gave countless hours serving her church, St. Paul's Lutheran, as a member of the Women's Guild (LWML). She taught an intensive Bible Study Course (Bethel Series), sang in the choir and baked many batches of cookies and cakes enjoyed during coffee hours. She also volunteered at Central Washington Hospital, working in the gift shop, provided meals and service at the local soup kitchen, worked a few political campaigns and volunteered at her children's schools. But most of all, Betty Ann will be remembered for her gift of music. Betty Ann was a self-taught pianist who never learned to read music and played only by ear, learning on an old pump organ that her grandfather bought for her on their farm in North Dakota. Her beautiful voice entertained many at community dances, where she sang with a big band. She was a member of a number of small quartets and singing groups, she sang for community luncheons, community theater, weddings, funerals, nursing homes. Anywhere there was a piano, she would always end up leading some sort of sing-a-long. Betty was the life of the party. She blessed her children by ensuring they learn to read music, play piano and sing, despite their protest to practice. Betty Ann married Everett "Wayne" Simon in July of 2005. They enjoyed traveling together and visited Maui, England, Ireland, Scotland, North and South Wales. They cruised to many places: Alaska, Panama Canal and the Mediterranean. In 2014, Wayne and Betty Ann moved to Spiritwood of Pine Lake in Sammamish, WA to be closer to family. The love and compassion they received from caregivers will never be forgotten. Wayne preceded Betty Ann in death June 25, 2016. Betty Ann is survived by her father, Wallace Morse of Wenatchee, WA; son, David Recchia (Debbie) of Sammamish, WA; daughter, Denise Recchia-Agnew (Michael) of Maui, HI; daughter, Darcel Troy (Tom) of Sammamish, WA; grandchildren: Justin Recchia, Lindsey Haddock (Jared), Jordan Recchia, Chad Goodfellow (Shay), Chelsea Goodfellow, Julia Troy, Meredith Troy and Sarah Troy. The day before her passing, on July 31, 2016, Betty Ann welcomed her first great-grandchild into the world, Carson Crew Haddock. As much as Betty Ann loved to wear her precious jewels, she had a heart of gold and a caring spirit for those less fortunate. Her faith in God was the stronghold of her existence. Ephesians 2:8-10...For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wenatchee, WA. Pastor Mark Hein will officiate. There will be a celebration following at Chateau Faire Le Pont in Wenatchee. A private interment will be at the Wenatchee City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (rls.org). Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA is coordinating Betty Ann's arrangements.

Betty Ann Recchia

May 22, 1931 - August 1, 2016