Betty J. Lelli's Obituary
B. Joann (Williams) Lelli Was born on April 14, 1933 to Richard and Nettie (Herbert) Williams in Sydney, Montana. She passed away on May 11, 2011 in Puyallup. While still in school, Joann moved to Tacoma, to live with her brother Bob and his family. She graduated from Fife High School in 1952. She married Philip Lelli on April 18th, 1953 at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife. Joann loved her five sons, Jay (Judy), Marty (Cyndy), Dean (Susan), Vance (Kimberlie), and Ross. As a proud mother, she was always there for her boys. She featured them in her poems from childhood through their working years. Through sketching, poetry, and clever conversation, Joann's artistic abilities shined and were passed on to her boys, grandchildren Janelle, Jayson (Jennifer), Paula, Rori (Nathan), Scott, Matthew and Marine; and her great-grandchildren Ryan, Megan, Sara, MacKenzie, Kailee and Kenadie. Also surviving is her sister Sharon LaVelle (Gary). Her husband Philip and son Ross preceded her. Joann participated in many community activities. With her husband, she helped establish the Hospitality Kitchen, where she volunteered for over twenty-five years. She was also dedicated to the Tacoma Longshore Union and the Tacoma Propeller Club, which administers the Lelli Memorial Scholarship. It was Joann's wish that donations be made to the Ross E. Lelli Memorial Scholarship fund in her name. PO Box 453, Tacoma, WA 98401. Services will be at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife, on Wednesday, May 18th. Viewing is 10:00 - 11:00AM, service begins at 11:00AM with a reception following at Parish Hall. Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery at 1:30PM.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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