Betty Lou Tutorow, residing in South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at her home.

She was born on January 18, 1925 in South Bend to the late Dennis and Reah (Woodward) Donahue.

She graduated from Riley H.S. followed by Gregg College in Chicago, where she settled and worked as a secretary while waiting for her fiance, Jack Meier, to return from the War. Alas, he was killed in action.

On August 4, 1946 she was united in marriage to William O. Tutorow, who has preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Jeanette Donahue and Dorothy Donahue.

She is survived by her son, Gary W. (Margot) Tutorow of South Bend; one grandchild, Betty (Yordi) Rodriguez of Cuba.

Betty was a quiet, humble and most modest person, who enjoyed housekeeping, raking leaves, reading, and listening to the Metropolitan Opera on Saturdays. While she savored solitude, she also valued public service, tutoring children in the Head Start Program in South Bend and delivering for Meals-On-Wheels in rural Michigan.

She was a life-long lover of dogs, from her first, Teddy, to her last, Jolie, orphaned now to the company of his canine companion Amos. She concurred with Banville’s observation: “There is a tiny gland high up inside a dog’s muzzle that can detect a single molecule of scent, and yet humans boast of their opposable thumbs.”

Ever the athlete, she was a professional child dancer, later excelled in volleyball and golf, was a runner, walker and a swimmer, still performing her laps routinely at the Y into her 95th year.

Over the years, she donated much to many, her favorites being; Planned Parenthood, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU. And the Humane Society.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Southern Care Hospice Services and in particular, Stephanie, from the same said service.

Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Per the wishes of the family, there will be no services at this time. Online condolences may be expressed to Betty Tutorow’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.