Elizabeth Burrows Young, a Pacific Palisades resident since 1936, passed away June 25. She was 97. Betty’s heritage was an important part of her history. She was a direct descendant of the patriot, Robert Morris, who financed the American Revolution. He was the only person to have signed all three documents drafted by the Continental Congress: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights. Betty lived through amazing history:’ two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy.’ She was part of a strong and centered generation.’In addition, she experienced the culmination of the Race to the Moon in 1969 as the world listened to Walter Cronkite announce that Apollo 11 had successfully landed on the moon. Then technology took over, leaving Mimi, her pet name, with a generation gap that only her grandchildren could fill.’ Born on January 4, 1913, Betty was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Iowa State College, where she graduated with a B.S. degree. She pledged Pi Beta Phi and was one of the campus darlings. In 1936, she drove to California with her Uncle Charley (Dr. Charles Patterson’s father) and Aunt Mable, making their home in Pacific Palisades. This sleepy little Methodist town provided Betty with a lifetime of love and happiness. Soon after arriving, she had a blind date with John W. Young, who would one year later become her adored husband of 58 years until his death in 1995. They rented a small house on Embury Street, totally furnished with a fireplace, a two-car garage and a gardener, all for $43 a month! Betty was invited to join the Santa Monica Assistance League.’ Over the years, she served this organization in nearly every capacity, including president.’ She was an active member for over 66 years. ‘It was this association which provided her with longtime friendships and would become the center of my parents’ social life,’ said their daughter, Julie. ‘The parties were uproarious: dancing, piano playing, poker, bridge and laughter.’ ‘ In 1950, the Youngs built a home on Altata Drive where Betty resided for 60 years.’ Her life consisted of raising her daughter, Julie (born in 1942), and her son, Jim, who arrived in 1945.’Golf, tennis, bridge and boating with friends were her activities away from home. ’She was a master at planning dinner parties and entertaining for my father, who was an executive at North American Aviation/Rockwell,’ Julie said.’ ‘Her extensive travel experiences enriched her life. In the evenings, before television took over, she would read and plan the next adventure with my father. She provided us with a beautiful home filled with parental love.’ ‘ Several days before Betty died, she told her dear friend, Ann Kerr: ‘When I say goodbye to everyone I can say I love them all ‘ all my family and friends that are running around, they are good stuff.” She leaves behind a family legacy, including her daughter, Julie Young Christensen of Santa Monica; her son Jim (wife Sally) of San Juan Capistrano; six grandchildren,’Tim (wife Tanya), John, Matthew and Jeffrey Christensen; Kimberly (husband Ben Benumof; Wes Young (wife Jessica); and five great-grandchildren:’ Zane and Gavin Christensen, and Maile, Kai and Mikaela Benumof. A springtime family service will take place in Sequoia.’ A gift of remembrance can be made to Hospice Partners of Southern California, 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90404.’
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