Betty Lorraine Sorlien Lehman of Freeland, passed away at Maple Ridge from heart failure on February 14, 2022, she was 95.

Betty was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 22, 1926 to Even and Magnhild Sorlien.

In 1931 after the death of her mom, Betty was only 5 years old and she was placed into an orphanage. Her 3 older step-sisters went to live with family friends, her 4 younger siblings were placed in different orphanages around the Minneapolis area. At that time, no siblings could be placed in the same facility. Thereby not ever seeing her siblings again, until July 1962 they were reunited. Betty became an underdog at a very young age and from these beginnings she developed her strong will to survive anything. Betty lived in the orphanage until she was 16 years old. She was transferred at this time to a residence that took in and cared for handicapped children. Her responsibility was to take care of the other children living in the house.

She lived with this family until the age of 22, which is when she married her late husband Wally Lehman. They meet on a blind date and short 6 months later on February 7, 1948 were married. They celebrated life and were together for 40 years until Wally’s passing in 1988.

Betty and Wally moved from Big Fork, Minnesota with their oldest son Joe to Whidbey Island in the fall of 1950. Betty’s true home had always been her residence in Freeland near the holly farm and golf course.

Betty had a very full life within the Lutheran faith. She was one of the charter members, who started the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in November, 1953.

Betty felt fortunate to have a rewarding career in volunteering that she truly loved. If there was a need for a volunteer, Betty was not new to the idea of sacrificing her time for the good of the community. She was well known and thought of; she was never interested in the recognition, just the kids and the community.

Betty looked forward to being reunited with the children she lost shortly after giving birth a son Walter JR and a daughter Eleanor. In addition she is preceded in death by her parent, three half-sisters, one brother and one sister.

Betty is survived by two sisters (Lucille of Rochester, Minnesota and Donna of St. Croix, Wisconsin) and her son’s Joe, Jim (Joan) and Terry along with daughter’s Wendy and Wanda (Jon Pedersen) Her pride and joy would be Grandson’s Culley, Adam, Derek, Travis and Eric.

Along with Great-Grandchildren Kinley Jo, Jasper, Kieran, Teagan, Tatum, Emera and Hugo. Betty will be truly missed by all who loved her. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice as no services will be held per her request.