Betty Jean Tucker (Kish), 79, of Raleigh, NC passed away on August 9, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy Kish. Betty was born June 26,1945 in Saline, MI and grew up in Ridgeway, MI. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1963. She worked for the University of Michigan and briefly with the CIA in Washington, DC. She returned to Michigan in 1967 to marry her high school sweetheart, Norman Dave Tucker. Norm and Betty were married for 56 years.

Betty and Norm raised their children in Grosse Pointe and then resided in Brighton, MI for 24 years. Three years ago, the couple moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to family.

Betty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the heart of our family and she created a home full of love and warmth for Norm and their two boys, Marc and David. As a grandmother to five, Betty delighted in showering them with love, affection, and treats (especially Great-Grandma Tucker’s sugar cookies). She was also an expert listener when each of her children or grandchildren just needed to talk. She always knew exactly what each grandchild needed and relished the role of grandmother. Betty loved her family and friends beyond measure.

Betty will forever be remembered and cherished by her husband Norm, her sons Marc (Annette) of Raleigh, NC and David (Jenny) of Winnetka, IL., her grandchildren Sydney (23), Andrew (21), Carson (17), Will (15), and Ryan (15), and her sisters, Joan Farmer, Joyce (Lloyd) Kirby, and Patricia Roe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Betty was a devout Catholic, her faith supported and guided her over the years.

A memorial mass will be held on August 23 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 East Washington St., Howell, MI with visitation at 10 a.m. and mass at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be held in the church gymnasium following the mass.

An additional memorial mass will be held in Betty’s honor on August 31 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi located at 11401 Leesville Rd. Raleigh, NC. Following the mass the family will hold a private ceremony at the St. Francis Columbarium and Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, donations will support the Rogel Cancer Center Lymphoma Fund at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include “in memory of Betty Jean Tucker” in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the following link to make your gift https://victors.us/bettyjeantucker.

Alternatively, donations may be made in memory of Betty Jean Tucker to St. Francis of Assisi Church mailed to the attention of Rob Neppel at 11401 Leesville Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 or online through Faith Direct.