Individual Details

The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, March 29, 2007, Edition: Sunrise, Page: D01: Deceased Name: Betty Jean Donnelly: Steadfast franchise fan 'Blazer Betty' dies at 79. Betty Jean Donnelly, the devoted Trail Blazers fan known affectionately as "Blazer Betty," died Wednesday at the age of 79. Donnelly died at Adventist Medical Center from complications arising from a severe kidney infection, according to hospital staff. "She went peacefully," said Chris Walsh, Donnelly's best friend and longtime caregiver. "Thanks so much for those who made her life worth living the last few years. I really mean that. The attention and interaction she got from being 'Blazer Betty' helped keep her spirit alive." Donnelly, an Iowa native who moved to Portland after completing college, served as a kindergarten teacher in the area for most of her 37-year career. She also had a love for gospel music, taught Sunday school, and was an 18-year Trail Blazers' season-ticket holder. Donnelly became a popular fixture at the Rose Garden Arena during Blazers home games. Residents at her assisted-living facility in Northeast Portland said --win or lose --Donnelly always posted the score of the team's latest game on the window of her room. Inside her room she had various Blazers bobbleheads, pennants, autographed basketballs and other memorabilia she loved to share with visitors such as former Blazers guard Steve Blake, who dropped in after reading about Donnelly's dedication to the franchise in The Oregonian. Donnelly was the subject of a piece in The Oregonian on Christmas Day 2005, where she remarked that despite never marrying and never having children, she was never alone for the holidays. Said Donnelly: "I have my team." A memorial will be at 11 a.m. April 5 at Lifegate Baptist Church. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and black to honor Donnelly's favorite NBA team. Remembrances to the missionary fund, Lifegate Baptist Church.

Author: JOHN CANZANO
John Canzano: 503-294-5065; JohnCanzano@aol.com.

Email to Mr. Canzano for information as to where she is buried. No reply. April 2012.

Birth	22 Sep 1927	Keokuk, Lee Co., Iowa
Death	28 Mar 2007	Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon
Burial		Riverview Abbey Mausoleum and Crematory, Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon

Father	John Joseph Donnelly (1879 - 1957)
Mother	Mary Caroline Kirkpatrick (1891 - 1984)
Sibling	John Joseph Donnelly Jr. (1918 - 1973)
Sibling	Dorothy Marie Donnelly (1920 - 2016)
Sibling	Marjorie Ruth Donnelly (1923 - )
Sibling	Robert Myron Donnelly (1930 - )
Sibling	David Lee Donnelly (1937 - 2004)