Betty Lou Townsend

Betty Lou Townsend, passed away in Brooklyn Park on January 30, 2016, at the age of 92. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family and dear friend, Mary Powell. Betty was the daughter of Dick and Dorothy Johnson and she was born and raised in MN. She married Robert Townsend in 1943 shortly before he was shipped overseas. In 1952, Betty and Bob moved to Richfield, MN where they raised their 4 children, Diane, Bob, Jr., Linda and Steve. Betty was employed by the Richfield School District in the employee relations department. For a time she also wrote a monthly article for the Modern Salon Magazine. Betty is survived by her 4 children and son-in-law, Richard Townsend-Anderson; her 4 grandchildren, Jenny, Monica, Jessica and Shannon; 6 great-grandchildren, Macy, Lila, Talon, Chase, Gideon, and Vivian. She is also survived by many other dear relatives, including Burt, Mary Lou, Camille, Barb and Jan and her very close friends, Joyce Victorson-May, Marj Dahl and Neal and Mary Powell. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her parents; 2 brothers, Richard and Kenneth Johnson; her sister and brother-in-law, LaVerle and Bob Baker; and her beautiful granddaughter, Minu Townsend-Anderson. Betty loved to dance and in the arms of her husband, they could light up any dance floor. She also loved to sing and knew all of the lyrics to every show tune ever written. She very much enjoyed all the summer fishing trips to northern MN where she thrived in the hottest saunas, and where she patiently taught all of her kids to swim. She had a wonderful sense of humor and cared deeply for the well being of her family and all her friends. And finally, she loved the Lord and worked diligently to teach her children the difference between right and wrong - a monumental task that would have killed a lesser woman. We will keep Betty Lou in our hearts.