Elizabeth “Betty” Greene Salwak
Betty fought valiantly against breast cancer, but passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 10, 2014 with her family by her side.
Betty is survived by her husband Glenn, her daughter Angelina and her son Scott, as well as her siblings Douglass, Nelle and Bo.
Born October 21, 1953 in Atlanta, Betty was raised in Sarasota, Fla., and attended Sarasota High School. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in English from the University of South Florida, where she also received a Teaching Certificate. She had many avocations throughout her life including cellist, middle school teacher, stained glass artist and astronomer. In 1983 she and Glenn accepted Christ’s calling to become Christians. Later, as an associate of Second Presbyterian Church, she helped develop a curriculum for Sunday school programs that was so successful more than 40 other churches all over the world adopted it as their Sunday school program. Up until her final day, she was deeply committed to supporting and fighting for the rights of her friends in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Betty impacted countless lives as a compassionate crusader, a wonderful lifelong friend to many and a loving Mom, sister and wife.
The reception will be held from 11:00 – 1:00 and services at 1:00 at the Sanctuary of the Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.
When I am gone, don’t you cry for me,
Don’t you pity my sorry soul;
What pain there might have been
Will now be past,
And my spirit will be whole.
I’ll be on my way,
I’ll be on my way.
I’ll have left my feet
Of clay upon the ground
I will be glory-bound,
I’ll be on my way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIOOrGVo-g
I didn’t have the honor of meeting Betty personally but followed her amazing work on the Internet. She was one of those people of whom you can say “the world is a better place for her having lived.”
So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, mom, and sister. Although I didn’t know Betty well, she was a role model for me as a Christian woman. My kids benefited from her creativity in Sunday school design and the world benefited from her work with our glbt friends. Holding you all in the Light
Betty was a true and loving warrior. I have known her for thirty+ years and even though we had great gaps between times we saw each other, when we corresponded or met in person, it was always as though we never missed a beat. She was a consistent loving presence in my life and the lives of many others. Her advocacy for LGBT rights was un-paralleled. She joyously served as a welcoming bridge between the Christian and LGBT communities; her love enriched many lives. Betty was a wonderfully constructive and positive person, with a smile that could light up a room. Most of all, I will miss her infectious laugh – she always made me feel like I was the funniest person in the world.
Betty was a true and loving warrior. I have known her for thirty+ years and even though we had great gaps between times we saw each other, when we corresponded or met in person, it was always as though we never missed a beat. She was a consistent loving presence in my life and the lives of many others. Her advocacy for LGBT rights was unparalleled. She joyously served as a welcoming bridge between the Christian and LGBT communities; her love enriched many lives. Betty was a wonderfully constructive and positive person, with a smile that could light up a room. Most of all, I will miss her infectious laugh – she always made me feel like I was the funniest person in the world.