Betty Jean Stein

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Stein, Betty Jean age 84, died peacefully on April 6 in her home in Champlin, Minnesota, from complications related to brain cancer. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bill, and her three children, Sharon McNamara (Craig); Bill Stein (Rita); and Susan Weidner (James); and also her nine grandchildren, Bradley (Renee), Brandon, Trevor, Josh, Tony, Jake, Shelby, Matthew and Michael; and three great-grandchildren, Alanna, Benjamin and Rylan. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lyla and Edsall Wood; and her brother, Edsall. Betty was the oldest child, born on August 27, 1926, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and graduated from Albert Lea High School. After completing her freshman year at Macalaster College in St. Paul, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota in 1948, at a time when very few women attended that program. Betty then began her 35-year career as a professional secretary. She was personal secretary for the manager of the Minneapolis office of P.R. Mallory & Company, 1949-1953; secretary for Honeywell, Inc.; secretary to the conference minister of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1978 - 1995; scribe for the UCC national conference, 1985-1987, and served the UCC conference in many ways. In addition, she played an important role in her husband's graphic design business, Artifex Studios. In 1980, Betty became a Certified Professional Secretary, being one of only 8% nationwide who passed the exam the first time. She served as President of the Minnesota chapter of Professional Secretaries International from 1994-95, and was a member of the American Association of University Women. Betty took pride in being an accomplished hostess, known for her parties and family gatherings. She also enjoyed knitting, reading mystery books, and especially loved nature. She volunteered for the Izaak Walton League, and served as its state secretary for three years, as well as secretary for the Breckenridge Chapter. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America and the Children's Home Society of Minnesota. Always a hard-working and determined woman, Betty often called herself a "stubborn Norwegian," but she'll always be loved and remembered by family and friends as an open, warm, kindhearted person. All are invited to the Memorial Service Monday, May 9, 11:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Anoka, 1923 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303, (763) 421-3375. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Animal Humane Society, animalhumanesociety.org; or Children's Home Society and Family Services, chsfs.org.

Published on April 17, 2011