In Memoriam 1992-1997/Elizabeth “Betty" Filstrup

In Memoriam 1992-1997 Elizabeth “Betty" Filstrup

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ELIZABETH "BETTY" FILSTRUP

1916-1997

Your email message... has been received by the Universal House of Justice, which was saddened by the news of the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Filstrup, staunch handmaiden of Bahá’u’lláh whose devoted services in Pakistan are remembered with deep gratitude.

Be assured of the prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines for the progress of her soul in the worlds of God. It will also pray for you and other members of your family, that your hearts may be solaced by the Blessed Beauty.

Department of the Secretariat March 23, 1997

Elizabeth (Betty) Filstrup and her husband Edward (Ed) arose to serve the Cause as pioneers in 1969. Their sole desire was to fulfill the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Through consultation with the Department of International Goals, they learned that two people were needed to go to Pakistan, where Ed had been offered a research position with the United Nations. Their bags packed and their affairs in order, they began their journey, arriving at their post in February 1970.

They spent four years in Pakistan-years characterized by their untiring devotion to teaching the Cause and their dedication to the raising up and consolidation of new Local Assemblies. Their home became the

[Page 383]Bahá’í center for the area where firesides, deepenings, and study sessions were available every night. Betty was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, and she was a delegate to the International Convention in 1973.

Medical and family needs necessitated their return to the United States in 1974. They settled into their home community of St. Joseph, Michigan, with the hopes that they would return to the pioneering field. Although Betty was unable to realize her hopes, Ed returned for consulting work in 1980.

Betty faced decades of hospitalizations and acute physical suffering. However, she continued with her artwork that bore messages from the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, and she continued to be instrumental in the organization of Bahá’í proclamations and events. She helped to establish the local chapter of the United Nations Association.

On March 12, 1997, Betty departed to the Abhá Kingdom at the age of eighty. Her life was a constant reflection of her devotion to her family, her community, and especially her beloved Faith that she had embraced in 1952.

Based on an article appearing in The American Bahá’í