Bette Eybel Duer

Bette was born in Spokane, WA, to Grace and Albert Eybel.

The family soon moved to Albany, CA, where she spent her childhood. After graduating from University High School in Oakland, she earned a BA in history from UC Berkeley in 1943.

During World War II she met her husband, Lt. James Cole Duer (Jim) from Wisconsin, and they married in Berkeley in 1944. After the war they settled in El Cerrito where they raised their children.

Bette spent many years volunteering with the local PTA organizations, Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts, and Job’s Daughters. After Jimmy died in 1975 she returned to work as a teacher’s aide in El Cerrito and Albany schools.

In 1987 she and her companion, Bob Cunningham, retired to Pollock Pines and lived there until 2009 when Bette returned to her home in El Cerrito.

She is predeceased by her husband, Jim, and her companion, Bob. Survivors include her 3 children, David Duer (Yvonne), Janet Duer Smith (Weldon), and Daniel Duer. She also leaves 3 grandchildren, Adam (Sarah) & Jeremy Duer, and Alison Smith; 2 great-grandsons, Joshua and Evan Duer; cousins, Joan Eybel Pancharian (Ray) and Rev. John Eybel, and several lifelong friends.

A private burial took place on December 19. A memorial service is planned for January 25, 2014. For more information email jangrace1728@yahoo.com.

Donations in Bette’s name may be made to the UC Berkeley Library, 131 Doe Library, Berkeley, 94720 or to the WCC Retired Educators Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 703, El Cerrito, 94530