The world was put on notice August 8, 1947, when Betty Ann Soljaga arrived. After 74 years of living large and playing hard, traveling, debating, entertaining, dancing, and singing Stones lyrics, she departed April 24 among family who were there to walk her home. She left knowing she was loved.   Betty was the second of three daughters of Mary and Peter Soljaga of Portland, Oregon, where she was part of an extensive and close tribe of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Betty was an original. She exhibited an independent streak early on, running away from home several times before she was nine. And always to Aunty Anne’s. A Myers-Briggs personality test later determined that she had all the characteristics of a military general. Few doubted it; she didn't suffer fools lightly. In fairness, she was also tender-hearted, extremely sensitive, kind, especially to her furry, four-legged companions.

Everyone who was privileged to know Betty had to be on their toes. She was intellectually curious, well-informed, exceptionally bright, a natural leader, quick-witted and funny. She would find humor or the absurd in any situation, and her laughter would fill a room. It’s been said she could “outwit” just about anybody – and often did – with a well-timed bon mot in her signature deadpan delivery.

A Portland native and lifelong resident, Betty graduated from Richmond Elementary and Franklin High School (class of '65), where her political views began to take shape in Mrs. Avshalomov’s social studies class, and where for a minute she toyed with the idea of becoming an Israeli Freedom Fighter. She completed her B.A. degree in History at the U of O during the turbulent years of the Vietnam War; another factor of the political debates that consumed many conversations. 

Prior to retiring, Betty served as Benefits Manager for the City of Portland. Other mainly human resource-focused positions included Benefits Specialist at Legacy Health/Good Sam,  Multnomah County's aging services, and for the Port of Portland, and Freightliner. 

Betty was obviously passionate about politics, but also tennis, mahjong, the history, art and culture of many lands, as well as the endless parade of cats that padded through her life, and for the last 7 years, the miniature poodle that melted her heart. 

She felt the world was to be explored and experienced, and Betty traveled widely, making lasting friendships everywhere. Her travels and interests also made Betty a valued asset to the Portland Art Museum where she was a volunteer docent for many years. 

It must be said that the Rolling Stones made such an enduring impression on Betty’s formative years, that they became a soundtrack throughout her life and a joyous coda to her final days. Betty is survived by her adored nephews, Greg (Donna, great-niece, Isabella, great-nephew, Lucas,) and Trevor (Tanya), sisters, Marilyn and Elaine, and close friends, Gary and Marc, Diane in Texas, and her beloved Baboo.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Betty's life, friendship and memories together on what would have been her 75th birthday, Monday, August 8, 2022, at Mt Tabor Park, Picnic Area A from 1-4pm.  Please RSVP on this website. 

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