Elizabeth (Noor) Corynen

It is with profound sadness, and through a stream of tears, that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty Corynen on August 25, 2022. Betty was diagnosed in 2021 with a rapidly progressing Corticobasal disorder, which ultimately took her exquisite life.

Her family—loving stepdaughter Ann Hugaerts, Ann’s son Yves, sister-in-law Barbara Noor, nieces and nephews Kasim and Zeba, Sarmina, Shelley, and many others—as well as her devoted caregivers Lina and Ralph, and friends (too numerous to mention by name) will never forget her.

Elizabeth Ann Nilsson (Betty) was born on October 15, 1943, in Oakland, California to parents Elizabeth and Martin. The family lived in the Dimond District of Oakland until Betty was four or five years old. At the time, she had been playing quietly behind the family couch before going to the market with her mother. They returned home to find the fire department extinguishing the last embers of their ruined home. When the fire chief asked Betty if she knew what had happened, she solemnly reported that “Tookie was playing with matches.” Tookie was her cat. The cat survived.

The family then moved up to El Cerrito, a more convenient location for her parents who worked on the Richmond Ferry. Betty’s father was part of the crew, and her mother was the cook. Betty would often ride the ferry with them as it crossed the bay. Martin passed away unexpectedly when Betty was about 12. After a while, her mother bought some silver shoes and went down to Sweet’s Ballroom in Oakland to look for another husband. She found one in Mr. Avery, who Betty grew close to—even taking his last name. The family then moved up to the Gold Country and lived in Angel’s Camp, where Betty met her wonderful lifelong friend, Marnell Land. Betty and Marnell were roommates and graduated from San Francisco State University. At school, Betty met and fell in love with Omar Noor, a photography student. They married at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley when Betty was just 20 years old. While still a student in 1962, Betty started working the obit desk in the San Francisco Examiner’s Classified Department. She became an expert in understanding the many accents of San Francisco as she took dictation over the phone.

This job was the start of Betty’s long and amazing career at the Examiner, the

San Francisco Newspaper Agency, and finally The San Francisco Chronicle, where she rose steadily to the position of Classified Advertising Director and was regarded as one of the best supervisors in the company. Betty was an exceptional manager who was always wise, kind, and patient. As an avid fan of Star Trek, she would tell her staff—in deadpan Mr. Spock fashion—to embrace a goal and “make it so.” Among the highlights of her tenure, Betty launched the first “Bring Your Daughters to Work Day.” Her many devoted employees kept in touch with her over the 40 years, even after Betty’s retirement in 2002.

After a long and very happy 37-year marriage, Betty’s beloved Omar passed away in 2001. They had lived in Walnut Creek for many years and made many friends there. In 2004, Betty met Dr. Guy Corynen of Livermore Labs - they fell in love, and began their marriage with a gorgeous ceremony at Ironstone Winery in Murphys, California in 2005. Betty and Guy shared a passion for animals and supported many animal welfare organizations over the years. Guy passed away in late summer 2019. Betty and Guy resided in Lafayette, California, where she continued to live until her peaceful passing at home, surrounded by so many who loved her. Through the years, Betty made friends wherever she went, hosting lively gatherings at her home including book club meetings, wine tastings, barbecues, cookiebaking parties, and more. She was always dedicated to bringing her many friends together to share good times. Betty’s charm and warm personality was irresistible to all…

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Elizabeth (Noor) Corynen may be sent to A.R.F. Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

Betty’s life was well-lived, and she enjoyed it. The world will never be the same without her, but it’s such a better place because of her being such an extraordinary part of it.