Safranek, Betty 'Jean'

Betty “Jean” Safranek, 89, of Puyallup, Wash., died May 31, 2010, at Franciscan Hospice House, University Place, Wash., after a brief illness. Her remains will be cremated. There will be a graveside service at Czech National Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, at a later date.

She was born May 10, 1921, in Cedar Rapids, to George and Gladys (Fitch) Burrowes. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 and attended Cedar Rapids Business College. She was employed at Merchants National Bank during World War II. Betty married John O. Safranek on Nov. 28, 1942. He died in 1995. She was a member of Central Park Presbyterian Church. Betty lived in Cresco and De Witt for many years before returning to Cedar Rapids and later moving to Washington state.

Survivors include two sons, John (Nancy) Safranek of Puyallup, Wash., and Michael (Jim Statler) Safranek of Chicago; two sisters, Susan (Kenneth) Schoeneck of Bethlehem, Pa., and Carolyn Harger of Bradenton, Fla.; five grandsons, John (Meg) Safranek of Seattle, Wash., Matthew (Angela Vezzose) Safranek of Edgartown, Mass., Peter Safranek of Seattle, Wash., Damon Safranek and Darren Safranek, both of Tucson, Ariz.; and great-granddaughter, Gwyneth of Tucson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jack Burrowes; husband, John O. Safranek; son, Dennis Safranek; and infant daughter, Judith.

Memorials can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society () or Camp Courageous ().

Cremation arrangements made by Hill Funeral Home, Puyallup, Wash.