Elizabeth (Bettey) Beyers Tomasi

She married George Tomasi on August 4, 1956, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette and they celebrated 68 years together in 2024. They were blessed with four sons (Richard, Vincent, Charles, Paul), five daughters (Suzette, Juli, Marilyn, Martha and Audrey), 20 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Bettey earned degrees in music and counseling from NMU, sang in operas, stage plays and choirs (including for Pope John Paul II), and taught piano and substituted in Pontiac schools.

A SCUBA diving pioneer, Bettey became a PADI Master Instructor and Course Director, co-owning Lakeland Sports and Tomasi Tours with George. She authored dive articles, contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica, and served on Michigan’s Underwater Salvage Committee. Bettey was the driving force in obtaining a hyperbaric chamber at Marquette General Hospital. In 1978, they received PADI’s Distinguished Service Award. Her hobbies included writing, music, biking, skiing, photography, and travel.

Active in St. Louis the King parish and later St. Peter Cathedral, Bettey sang in the choir, served as a lector, and volunteered at the Care Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul. She was also involved in Republican politics.

Survivors include husband George. Preceded in death by daughter Julie Marie, parents, and brothers L.R. and John Beyers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held this summer at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and will be announced.

Donations may be directed to The Julie Tomasi Scholarship Fund at NMU or The Marquette Diocese Legacy of Faith Foundation.

Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com