Betty Jean Carswell

Betty Jean was born on August 8, 1924 to Archie and Hazel Boyles in Oil City, PA, and died peacefully on October 30, 2017 at her home in Montecito. She was raised in Oil City, PA and graduated from Oil City HS in 1942. She entered nursing school in New Kensington, PA. After graduation, Betty Jean returned home to work in the local hospital. In 1951 Betty Jean moved with her mother to Detroit, Michigan and worked at Henry Ford Hospital, where she met her future husband, Bowdre L. Carswell, M.D. In 1957, she then moved to Santa Barbara, and continued nursing at Cottage Hospital and Sansum Clinic. On November 26, 1958 Betty and Bowdre were married at the First Baptist Church in Santa Barbara, a loving union of 59 years. As Dr. Carswell established his surgical practice, Betty Jean assisted him on a part time basis for many years, and maintained a warm and comfortable home for him and her mother. She was a loving wife and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Santa Barbara, and a strong supporter of St. Francis Hospital. Betty Jean will be remembered for her gentleness, compassion, generous spirit and her enthusiastic collections of Santa and Beanie Babies.

She is survived by her husband Bowdre L. Carswell, M.D., her sister Barbara Dollard of Buffalo, N.Y., her brother William Young (Rose) of Youngsville, PA, her brother and sister-in-law James and Marge Brandt of Santa Barbara, and many nephews and nieces who will fondly remember their Aunt Betty.

Viewing will be held on November 15th from 1 to 5 pm at Welch-Ryce-Haider Mortuary, 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Services will be held on November 16th at 1 :00 pm at First Baptist Church of Santa Barbara, 949 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara. Following grave site services, a reception will be held.

A memorial donation may be made in Betty Jean’s name to the First Baptist Church of Santa Barbara, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider