Elizabeth Virginia Haddad, a 56-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away early Sunday morning, October 2, from complications of a stroke. She was 86. “Bess,” as she was fondly known, lived a model life of hard work, devotion to family, service to others, and commitment to spiritual development. She knew how to have fun, bring a great deal of joy to others, and loved to travel all over the world. She had just returned from a two-week vacation in West Virginia and Florida, and only a few months earlier went on an Alaska cruise with her family. If you were looking for a good time at a moment’s notice, Bess was the one to call. The energizer bunny was no match for her when it came to going out to dinner or a movie and she delighted in hosting parties. She played bridge as often as she could find a foursome and regularly organized bridge groups. Born on June 10, 1919 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bess came to California with her family when she was 13. She graduated from University High in 1937 and attended Santa Monica College. She worked as a waitress at The Broken Drum in Santa Monica and as a seamstress at Kate Danzig’s dress shop in the Palisades. In 1939 she married Wendell Loraine Womble. Unfortunately, he died soon after they bought their home in 1949 on Edgar Street in the Palisades. In 1952 Bess remarried Michael Joseph Haddad and remained in the home until his death in 1985. She continued to live on Edgar Street until her passing. In 1965, Bess joined the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club (founded in 1925) and served two terms as its president in 1975 and 1986. For 14 years she chaired the rentals committee that handled the many and varied groups who frequently used the club’s facility on Haverford. A devoted member of the Church of Religious Science, Bess helped start the first chapter in Pacific Palisades with Rev. Frank Richelieu and his wife Anita, who was also her spiritual mentor. Bess later studied to become a certified practitioner within the organization although the church itself ultimately moved to Redondo Beach. Also inspired by Rev. Robert Schuller’s positive approach to life, Bess contributed to the Crystal Cathedral church in Garden Grove. Although she did not attend church regularly in her later years, her commitment to spirituality never wavered. She had just been appointed chair of spiritual values at the Woman’s Club, a job she no doubt has already begun to tackle with zest. Fittingly, her memorial service on October 6 was held at the Woman’s Club. Bess is survived by her son Dennis Womble, his wife Margaret, their children Virginia, Alex and Addie; stepson Michael Jones, his wife Carol, their children Kimberly and Christopher; and her niece Gayle Ahrens. Donations in her honor can be made to Pet Orphans in Van Nuys, 7720 Gloria Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406.
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