Bette Legallet

April 9, 1941 - July 23, 2022

The world lost one of its bright smiling faces on July 23, 2022 when Bette Legallet passed away at the age of 81. Bette left this world peacefully with her family at her side. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Bette was born on April 9th, 1941 in Brooklyn,

NY to Lucille and Dr. Sam Topperman, and moved to Tyler, TX at the age of nine. She attended University of Texas, where she made and nurtured friendships that flourished her entire life. A vibrant conversationalist, Bette was said to have “never met a stranger.”

Bette married in 1968, and moved to Marin County, where she devoted herself to working and raising her two children, Aaron and Kate.

In 1983, she met the love of her life, Jon Legallet, in the elevator at Le Cercle de L’Union in San Francisco. Jon and Bette married in 1992 and spent their best years as a devoted loving couple. Bette loved to entertain and was an avid home baker, known for her mini cheesecakes.

In her later years, Bette enjoyed volunteering and quickly mastered the art of salvaging, ensuring home goods and toys found their way to people, not the landfill. She loved her walking group and benefited greatly from their companionship.

Bette was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jon, and her brother Andrew. She leaves behind her son Aaron (Laura) and their son Stephen; her daughter Kate (John); her husband Jon’s children, Bob (Mary), their sons Ryan (Brielle) and Scott (Samantha), Mary and Claire, as well as a large extended family.

To all of Bette’s neighbors, friends, family, and caregivers, she loved you very much. Her children are eternally grateful for your love and support for their mom over the years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in her honor can be made to

Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/) or a charity of your choice.