Betty Lou Daheim's Obituary
The generous and beautiful life of Betty Lou Seaberg Daheim, began February 7, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN and ended, surrounded by her loving family, April 29, 2017, in Tacoma, WA. The third daughter of Luella and Oscar Seaberg, Betty grew up during the Depression on a small dairy farm in Minnesota. Betty’s childhood memories revolved around helping her mother garden, canning vegetables, sewing clothes, and reading to survive long Minnesota winters without electricity or indoor plumbing. Eventually the family “moved to town,” leaving behind the farm and one room school house. Betty graduated from Robbinsdale High School, Robbinsdale, MN in 1951. Betty’s precious flower gardens, famous pickles, and her love of reading, were tokens from her childhood that remained with her throughout her life. Well, that and an intense dislike for cold weather.
Betty met the love of her life, Bud (Warren) Daheim in Minneapolis, and they were married April 21, 1954. During their first year of marriage, Bud was stationed at McChord Air Force Base where the couple welcomed their first child, Theresa, and grew to love Tacoma. They returned to Minneapolis, and Bud finished Law School, began a law career, and the family welcomed Kathleen, Lisa, Martin, Margaret and Timothy. When Tim was just a few weeks old, Betty and Bud loaded the children into a station wagon, and left Minnesota behind to head west and begin a new life in Parkland. Betty’s industriousness, tremendous energy, and love for children and babies, demonstrated amazing capacity of heart, organization, management and skill. Over the next few years, children Cynthia, Beth, Sarah, and Matthew joined the family.
Betty’s children, who were fueled on pickles, competitive swimming, and trips to the ocean, all grew into successful, well-educated adults who are passionate about their families, devoted to their children, and contributors in their communities. These same traits, Betty’s legacy, are now seen in her grandchildren as they start families, find careers, and build lives of love for family.
The sparkle in her eyes, the lilt in her laughter brought on by her unwavering love and devotion for Bud, is seen in every photo, and heard in every conversation. She was an avid reader, discussing books, sports, history and politics over breakfast; Betty knew details of Bud’s most complicated legal arguments, kept him dressed, fed, and prepared for each day. Betty barked at Husky football games, and high-fived Bud with every Husky touchdown. She passionately followed the Sonics and college basketball, and went to weekly movies with Bud, good or bad. They always shared popcorn. Betty and Bud spent a month in Maui every winter for over 40 years. While on Maui, their daily barefoot walks on the beach made the observer feel like they were on their honeymoon. Everyone in their presence could recognize that this was true love.
For such a large family, Betty’s determination and love to be surrounded by her family created a full calendar of traditions and celebrations that usually included over 35 people and four generations. It was in the center of this loving circle of family that Betty slipped from this world into the Kingdom of Heaven. We believe she was welcomed by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her parents, sister Shirley, little boy Martin and grandson Paul.
Betty leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, Bud; Daughters: Theresa Boyle (Russ), Kathleen Rodgers (John), Lisa Daheim, Margaret Herd (Damon), Cynthia Stuart (Rich), Beth Dykman (Kevin), Sarah Daheim; Sons: Timothy Daheim (Sandy) and Matthew Daheim (Kristina); Sisters: Vivian and Beatrice. Grandchildren Sydney, Bethany, Ben, Charles, Sam, Adam, Joseph, Rachel, Jacob, Molly, Erin, Jonathan, Michael, Brandon, Jace, Luke, Hannah, Ruth, Peter, Nicholas, Nathan, Josh, Emily, Noah, Sophie, Micah, Eli, and Liam will miss Betty’s warm embrace and constant encouragement. Betty’s 11 great-grandchildren were blessed to have known her.
The Mass celebrating the life of Betty Daheim will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven on May 27th at 2:00. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Betty Lou Daheim Fund c/o Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1100, Tacoma, WA 98402.
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