Elizabeth “Betty” Callander Tight

Jul 23, 1926 - Dec 30, 2018

Betty passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at her home at the Sequoias of Portola Valley, CA on Sunday, December 30th at the age of 92. Known for her exceptionally kind, selfless, and compassionate personality, Betty now reunites with her beloved husband, Dexter “Ted” of nearly 70 years, who passed away in April 2018.

Betty was a native San Franciscan, born to Dr. Curle and Sara Callander in 1926, and predeceased by her brother Dr. John Callander (survived by wife Barbara). She attended Miss Burke’s School, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University where she was Chairperson of the Woman’s Council and named to the Cap and Gown honor society. She pursued post-graduate studies at the ArtCenter College of Design, and was an accomplished artist. Betty was keen for any outdoor adventure, and in her youth would ride horses throughout the hills of Woodside. Later in life she could often be found hiking the hills of the Bay Area with her long-time “Walkie-Talkie” group of friends or puttering in her beautiful garden. Betty raised her family on the ski slopes and backpacking in the Sierras, playing tennis, and spending many years on the McKenzie River fly-fishing with friends and family. Betty passed her love for the great outdoors down to her children and grandchildren.

Active in lifelong service to both the church and community, Betty was an Elder at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco before moving to Woodside, CA where she was involved with Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley. She was a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames, and was active in the Junior League of San Francisco, The Heritage on the Marina, Peninsula Family Services, and a number of other local charities. Through her life-long association with Stanford University she was recognized as a Stanford Associate for her continued service to the University.

While Betty’s contributions and accomplishments with organizations in San Francisco and the Peninsula were abundant, her legacy to those who knew her was one of unlimited kindness and grace. Her generous spirit and devotion to her numerous friends and closeknit family will live on in all the lives that she touched. Her knowing smile and intuitive warmth will be missed but not forgotten for all those she leaves behind. Betty is survived by her four children and their spouses: Dexter “Tim” (Jane), Kathryn Loken (Stephen), Steven (Chris) and David (Janet); and known as a proud and loving “Nonnie” to her ten grandchildren: Dexter “Elliot” (Elizabeth), Andrew, Riley, Peter, Connor, Charlotte, Griffin, Madeleine, Delaney and Sophie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to: “That Man May See”, “Peninsula Open Space Trust”, or a charity of your choice. A private family celebration of life will be held in the spring, Betty’s favorite season.