Elizabeth “Betty” Sullivan Breitenfeldt passed away peacefully, age 97, on March 18, 2020 at
Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick, Washington. She was born in Adams County
(Corning), Iowa on August 2, 1922 to Florence and Daniel Sullivan.
Betty attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College during the summer months of high
school before graduating from Corning High School in 1939. From 1939 to 1944, she taught in
two different one-room schoolhouses in Adams County, Iowa.
In the spring of 1944, Betty applied to work at the new government project in Hanford,
Washington. She first worked as a “sandwich waitress” in the commissary, but later took
coursework and training to become a lab technician. She worked for DuPont, and later,
General Electric, for a total of 6 years. While at Hanford, Betty earned her pilot’s license and
was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
During the summer of 1953, Betty met the love of her life, Victor Breitenfeldt, at a dance in
West Richland. He literally swept her off her feet with his great dancing skills. They married 6
months later, on December 26, 1953 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland,
Washington. They resided in Prosser until moving to a retirement home in Richland in 2010.
Betty and Vic raised four children: Susan, Dan, Greg and Carol.
Betty worked at Keene Riverview Elementary School in Prosser as an aide for 15 years, most of
those years as librarian aide. It was the perfect job, in her opinion, combining her love of
children and books. She remained active with the Retired Public School Employees for many
years thereafter. Throughout the years, Betty inspired and helped many children learn to read,
offering to tutor at her home and volunteering for the HOST (Help Our Students Succeed).
Betty was a faithful servant of the Lord who always sought out ways to help others. She and
Vic were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser for 57 years. Betty taught
catechism for 16 years, mostly teaching First Communion classes. She managed the Religious
Goods sales for St Theresa’s Guild, was a member of Altar Society and Carmelites, served on
Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister. Betty was on the Board of Directors for Jubilee
Ministries and volunteered at the Red Door Thrift Store. She served as director of Birthright for
10 years. Until well into her 90s, Betty made rosaries to give away and organized rosary groups
at the assisted living facilities where she lived.
In 1991, Betty was honored to be selected as Prosser’s Outstanding Lady of the Year by the
Chamber of Commerce. This award reflected her dedication to serving others and her
community. Her many clubs and activities are too numerous to mention here, but some of her
favorites were the Meridian Club, 30-70 Dance Club, and Red Hats. Betty was happiest when
she was with her friends and family. She loved organizing reunions, camping trips and hosting
parties.
Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Victor, loving parents, Florence and
Daniel Sullivan, brother, Bernard Sullivan, sisters, Helen Finsen and Pat Wermelskirchen. She is
survived by her brother, Dan Sullivan, her children: Susan (Brian) Isaacs, Dan (Asha)
Breitenfeldt, Greg Breitenfeldt, Carol (Henri) Groenen, grandchildren: Nicole, Danielle, Jennifer,
Alisa, Ryan and Shane, great grandchildren: Victor, Ryker and Audrey.
Funeral services have been postponed for now. In lieu of flowers, it was Betty’s wish that
donations be made to PREPARES, an organization run by Catholic Charities that provides
support and services to pregnant women and families in need. The address is: PREPARES,
Catholic Charities, 2139 Van Giesen St, Richland, WA 99354. Or if you prefer, please consider
giving to Chaplaincy Hospice Care, 1480 Fowler St, Richland, WA 99352.