Passing: Elizabeth Welch

Elizabeth

I love what Elizabeth did for our island…she’ll be much missed…

Elizabeth Madge Welch Ballesteros died on January, 1, 2012, New Year’s Day evening at her home in Friday Harbor.  At her side were Elizabeth’s daughters Raquel Cook and Rebecca Allen along with her sister Judy Welch. She is also survived by brother Robert C. Welch, Jr. and children Samuel Ballesteros, Jr., Matthew Ballesteros, Daniel Ballesteros as well as her 10 grandchildren.

Elizabeth had retired from 15 years of teaching in Chula Vista, CA and moved to Friday Harbor, WA to be near her sister Judy.  She became a contributing member of the community by singing in the San Juan Singers, a volunteer with the San Juan Library and the fundraising Library Beading Group.  She was a great lover of music and played the organ.  Elizabeth Welch is known by many locals and artists for serving as the recent President of the Island Arts League on San Juan Island.

During her teaching years she helped develop a drama program where her 4th and 5th grade students presented rather sophisticated productions wearing costumes cleverly crafted to fit her young actors.  She was greatly admired for her creativity and dedication to her students. At the same time she completed her Master Degree in History at San Diego State University.  Before becoming a teacher, Elizabeth served as a missionary to Colombia with her husband and family for seven years.

She is greatly loved by her family and community and will be remembered fondly by new friends and old.  A memorial service will be held at Chula Vista Baptist Church on January 14 and she will be buried near her parents at Glen Abbey Cemetery in Bonita, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth M. Welch Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, P. O. Box 189, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

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