Elizabeth Ann Raven

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Raven, 69, of South Bend, Indiana, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior in the early hours of Friday, October 20, 2023, at Wellbrooke of South Bend.

Betty was born on April 19, 1954, in Hartford, CT, to the late Francis and Therese (Strobel) Raven. As a National Merit Finalist, she graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1972. Betty earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1976 and 1978 respectively.

Throughout her life, Betty was a trailblazer. In 1972, the first year Notre Dame admitted women, Betty began her freshman year as one of the first women to attend Notre Dame. Betty often knitted in class, because it helped her focus. Her knitting often intimidated her male classmates and professors, who were not used to having women in class. They could not believe that this female knitter was an A student.

In 1976, Betty began her career as an electrical engineer at Bendix. She was one of the first women to work as an engineer in a field dominated by men and had little patience with people who underestimated her abilities based on her gender. Surviving many layoffs and company takeovers, Betty worked for the same company her entire career and retired from Honeywell in 2018.

In 1995, Betty was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. At a time when stem cell replacement was experimental, Betty decided to try it, and it worked. Betty was lymphoma free the rest of her life. Once again, Betty was someone who successfully led the way for others to follow.

Betty had diverse interests: As a teenager, Betty loved to knit, crochet and sew, creating stuffed animals and dresses for herself and her younger sisters. Over the years, she made many baby blankets and afghans.  As an adult, she enjoyed traveling and had several memorable trips to Italy, Africa, Ireland and England. An avid fan of Notre Dame women’s basketball, Betty held season tickets for many years. She liked sharing her tickets and buying t-shirts for family members.

Serving as a faithful Christian was always a very important part of Betty’s life. She was a member of the People of Praise Community and attended Little Flower Catholic Church.

When her parents got older and could no longer host large family gatherings, Betty took over the hosting at her lakeside home. She had everything needed: chairs, tables, plates, large serving dishes, a paddle boat and lake/beach toys. Out of town visitors were always welcome to stay in her spare bedrooms. Betty had the gift of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

In addition to being generous with her family, Betty supported several local non-profit organizations – particularly organizations that protect the environment, feed the hungry and support immigrants in our community. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially walking in the local parks. After retiring in 2018, Betty became a Certified Indiana Master Naturalist with the St, Joe County Parks Department.

Betty was the oldest of her six siblings who survive her: Ann (Bill) McCarthy of Milton, GA; Paul (Cyd) Raven of South Bend; John (Dee) Raven of South Bend; Mary “Bart” (Doug) Mansmann of Louisville, KY; Catherine “Cathy” Raven and Linda Raven, both of South Bend.

Betty is also survived by her 10 nieces, nephews and niblings: Kylie, John, William, Kevin, Laurel, Michael, Denny, Heather, Abby and Molly.

In death as in life, Betty has chosen to be a trailblazer. Her concern for the environment led her to choose a green burial. She will be the first person laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery in this more natural and environmentally-friendly method.

Betty will be buried at Cedar Grove on the campus of the University of Notre Dame at 11:00 am October 25th.  Visitation will follow at noon at St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend IN 46635. Requiem mass will be at 1:00. Lunch will follow at the People of Praise, 53666 N. Ironwood Rd., South Bend, IN 46635.

Memorial contributions may be made to La Casa de Amistad (South Bend) or World Central Kitchen.

Online condolences may be made at www.PalmerFuneralHomes.Com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.