Bette Gallagher Tunney
May 29, 1921 - April 8, 2017
Rossmoor, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill

Bette grew up in the Glenview area of Oakland, attending grade school, Oakland High and earning a B.A. at Holy Names University. She became a member of the Red Cross staff as a social worker during the WWII years of 1943-1944.

In 1944, she married Jack Tunney, her long-time sweetheart and Glenview neighbor. Jack was assigned to a war-time post with the U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C., where he performed at events held at the White House for the next 20 years.

Bette cared for her four children in the D.C. suburb of Falls Church, VA, while she continued her Red Cross work as a volunteer, heading a successful fund drive that was acknowledged by an invitation to tea at the Kennedy White House.

Bette focused on rearing her children in the 50's. However, at this time, she also found an interest in painting and writing. She wrote a children's book, and several short stories were published.

Jack and Bette centered their lives on family, long-time friendships, the members of the band and their families, and the Christian faith. Their lives were full of fun and inspiration.

The family returned to the East Bay in 1964 where Jack began a new career in retail by day and playing in various jazz bands by night. The children grew and married and Jack and Bette traveled the world.

Jack was diagnosed with throat cancer and a quieter life in a new home in Rossmoor was chosen for Jack and Bette to spend their retirement years together.

The Tunney's 65 year marriage was rewarding and happy and their deep love and respect for each other is something that their family continues to remember and treasure.

On a card, Jack once quoted: "...one man loved the pilgrim soul in you (Bette), and loved the sorrows of your changing face." William Butler Yeats from "When You Are Old"

She is survived by her devoted son, Pat Tunney and special daughter Mary, and dearly loved daughters Kim Hanson (Stan), and Kathi Whilon (Rick). Grandchildren include Lisa Tunney, Joe Tunney (Merry), Katie Beasley (Freddie), Beth Hanson (Devin), and Jared Shoupe (Jessica). Great-grandchildren are Rachael Masson, Jack Walton, Madison Hanson, and Jaxxon, Sebastian, and Nathaniel Tunney.

Bette now joins her beloved, Jack, and their son Chris, and grandson Cary Walton at the gates of Heaven where they have begun their new adventure together!

A Celebration of Bette's Life will be held at the Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation.