Elizabeth Mary Mahan

We're sad to announce Betty's passing as she was loved by and helped many in the community.
Betty was born to Byron and Marie McIntyre on the island of Maui. The McIntyre family called many places home before settling in South Kitsap around 1950. Betty graduated from South Kitsap High School and soon after married Bill Mahan of Bremerton.
Their first child Kat Mahan was born in 1957 and in 1965 they adopted their second child Angela Reagan. During this time and after they offered foster care to many children as well.
Betty served on the South Kitsap School Board and pioneered programs to assist children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Later she earned her teacher’s certificate and taught special education in the Central Kitsap School District.
After retiring from the Central Kitsap School District she worked many years as a substitute teacher, both in the South and Central Kitsap School Districts. In addition she started and ran a business, Mahan Testing and Tutoring, through which she taught and tutored countless children and adults in reading and math skills. Many Kitsap County adults owe their ability to read to Betty, who often offered her services at a reduced price or free of charge to those who couldn’t afford to pay.
During this time also she developed a line of natural care cosmetic products, which were distributed to health stores and shops throughout the country. She was proud of her partial Hawaiian ancestry and attended cultural functions often.
Betty’s Christian faith was strong. She attended First Christian Church and Christian Life Center for many years.
She loved many activities; arts and crafts, white water river rafting, skiing, baking, genealogy, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her two children; a sister Victoria Morton of Clearwater, Florida; and by eleven grandchildren, James Stowe, Jacob Stowe, Jessica Mahan, Sukanya Mahan, Pradeep Mahan, William Mahan, Raven Mahan, Kailee Mahan, Jyothi Mahan, Justin Mahan, and Austin Mahan.
Services honoring her life will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013, 11:00AM at Rill's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard. Online memorial at www.rill.com .