Obituary of Betty LeChevalier Geesman

Betty Geesman of Aptos, CA passed away on June 11, 2015 after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was 59. Betty was born in San Mateo, CA on June 4, 1956 to Frank and Avalon Lechevalier. She was raised in Redwood City, CA and graduated from Sequoia High School. She lived in Rohnert Park during her college years and earned an Associate's Degree from the College of San Mateo, a dual major Bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University and a Master's Degree in Education from San Jose State University. She later moved to Santa Cruz County and lived in Santa Cruz, Soquel and Aptos. She was an educator in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for over thirty years, and was a charter member of the staff at Lakeview Middle School when it opened in 1994, teaching physical education until an accident moved her inside where she found new inspiration teaching computer skills. During the 1980's she coached the Santa Cruz High School Girl's Volley Ball Team. She believed strongly in the impact she had on her student's futures, and when her husband crosses paths with former students who recognize her name, their comments always reflect a positive outcome. Betty loved athletics and was a track star as a teenager with the Redwood City Striders. Her sister claims she could run like the wind. She also played basketball and volleyball on her college teams, and continued playing volleyball, softball and soccer with her husband and friends until motherhood became her top priority. She spent five years leading her daughter and others through Brownies and Girl Scouts, sharing her love of the outdoors, hiking, crafts and group games, helping many young girls to enrich their life experiences. Family and friends were always most important as she enjoyed camping and time spent in the woods, taking trips, playing group games that brought out the most laughter, watching old movies, and going to Disneyworld and land. Betty's 17 year battle with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and then Multiple Myeloma, limited her mobility but not her generous spirit. She touched the lives of many and each one benefited from the experience. Betty is survived by her husband of 32 years, Jim; son, Glenn and daughter, Michelle; sister, Lynn and brother-in-law, Kenzie; brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Nora; brother and sister-in-law, John Geesman and Kathryn Dickson; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Jean Geesman; aunt, Shirley; aunt, Mary; uncle, Frank; adopted parents, Pat and Dave Gettes and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her stillborn sister, Lorraine (1962); mother, Avalon (1972) and father, Frank (1986). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, or to the Death with Dignity National Center. Funeral services will be private. A celebration of Betty's life was shared by loving family and friends at her home on the afternoon of Sunday, June 14th.