Elizabeth Ann Wolf

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Narey) Wolf, age 94, the matriarch of a large family and resident of the Portland metro area, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024. 

Betty was born in St. Paul, MN on September 23, 1929 to Daniel and Elsie (Ruppert) Narey. The family later moved to Bremerton, WA where she and her siblings, Richard, James, and Mary attended local schools. Betty graduated in 1952 from the nursing program at University of Portland. She met Paul J. Wolf through her sister, Mary, and after a short time married at Saint James Cathedral in Seattle, WA on September 4, 1954.

In 1970, after the birth of her last child, Betty became interested in Japanese Ikebana flower arranging and joined the local chapter of the Saga Goryu School. This brought her much joy as she developed advanced skills. During the late 1980’s, she ventured to Japan to study with the Ikebana masters and frequently showed her creations at the Portland Japanese Gardens. She also developed a love for quilting and was a member of the Clark County Quilters.

Betty and Paul enjoyed traveling the world, visiting Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Guatemala, Europe, Russia, and even an extended cruise around Cape Horn, South America. They also sponsored children in Guatemala and the Philippines to enhance their education.

Betty’s deep Catholic faith formed everything she did and helped her to excel as a mother and to meet the needs of her family with patience and grace. She considered her children her life’s greatest work and devotion.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Paul J. Wolf; her children: Teri Sykes, Brian Wolf, Paula Short, Deborah Wolf, Tracy Wolf and Michelle Register; 8 grandchildren, one great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Dennis Sykes; grandson, Max Register, and three beloved siblings: Richard, Mary and James Narey.

The family would like to thank the loyal caregivers and especially Hospice staff for their attentive and loving care in Betty’s final years.

All are welcome to attend the recitation of the Rosary at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Portland on Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 am until 10:30 am followed by Requiem Mass at 10:30 am.  A reception to immediately follow Requiem Mass in the Parish Hall. Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 12:30 pm  at Gethsemani Cemetery, Happy Valley, OR.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to request that donations be made in memory of Betty to the University of Portland School of Nursing.  Donations may be made online at giving.up.edu/BettyWolf or by mailing a check to University of Portland, Office of Advancement, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203.  Please make sure to note that it is in memory of Betty Wolf.