Ellen (Betty) Elizabeth Sawchak, 80, passed away on November 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. She was born on October 12, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas to James and Ophelia Strong. Betty was married for 55 years to her beloved Stephen who preceded her in death on August 4th, 2017. She is survived by: her daughters, Dr. Kathryn (Kassy) Sawchak-Severud, Kari Lindahl, Kelly Mooney and Susan Sawchak; sons-in-law, Thomas Mooney and Dr. Erik Severud; grandchildren, Dr. Karissa Severud, Mariah Severud, Garrett Severud, Collin Severud, Gabriella Severud, Victoria Severud, Hannah Mooney, Harrison Mooney, Steven Lindahl, Kaylie Lindahl; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Betty attended the University of Texas at Austin and worked at the State Capital while her husband completed his degree. Early in their marriage, they had a deep commitment to fostering children, and adopted two of their own. She worked later as a bookkeeper for Sandra Vaughn and finished her career supporting her husband’s private company called SWESS.

Betty was very creative and loved crafts, quilting,  needle point, reading, and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren in many of their hobbies and sports throughout the years. She also had a passion for supporting the Girls Scouts which allowed her the opportunity to develop her love of the outdoors. She spent many weekends at Camp Casa Mare where young girls learned to sail, earn badges of leadership/community service and more.

A memorial service will be held on the 7th day, January 2022(date) at 1:00pm at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation in Betty’s memory may do so to Gladney Center for Adoption | 6300 John Ryan Drive | Fort Worth, TX 76132 | (817) 922-6000 or online @ https://adoptionsbygladney.com, and The Sanctuary Foster Care Services | 1350 Nasa Parkway, Ste 210 | Houston, TX 77058 | (281-508-2205) or online @ https://www.sanctuaryfostercare.org/donate.