Be Sew Bizzy — Los Alamitos, CA
In Memory of Betty Elliot
Our Queen Bee
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Betty Elliot, the founder and heart of Be Sew Bizzy, on May 1, 2026. Betty passed away at Downey Regional Medical Center — the same hospital where, as a high school student, she volunteered over 1,000 hours of her time.
Betty was a community builder. That impulse found its fullest expression in her love of sewing and machine embroidery — in the shop she built, the classes she taught, and the countless people she welcomed through the door with patience and genuine warmth. The outpouring of love from her community since her passing has been extraordinary, and deeply meaningful to our family.
Be Sew Bizzy will continue. The shop has a two-year lease and a community that has pledged to help in any way necessary. Betty's husband Jeff — who has always been around to lift heavy things, build furniture, repair Pfaff and Singer machines, and solve the technical problems — now takes over. It has always been a one-woman show. Now it is a one-man show, but with community behind it, and with every intention of honoring Betty's legacy.
A note about your orders
Jeff has access to all business information including every order. All orders will be fulfilled. We ask for a little patience while we work out where everything is. Hand-cut kits, which were always cut by Betty herself, are being reviewed — we will confirm what is already cut and what we have capacity to prepare. We will update inventory on the site and temporarily restrict purchasing of any items we are not yet able to fulfill.
Betty's personal phone, which has always been the shop phone, remains active. Calls will be answered and messages returned as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for being part of the community Betty spent her life building.
— Jeff Elliot
Memories & Messages
If you knew Betty or were touched by her work, we would be honored to hear from you.
I'm a new customer and I was just messaging with her the other day. So sorry to hear of this. Thank you for sharing this message.
— LaKesha · May 2, 2026
Betty was a very special person in my life and a wonderful friend. She patiently taught me machine embroidery in 2017 and continued to encourage me throughout the years. I was privileged to be part of her groundbreaking of Bee Sew Bizzy. Betty has left a large hole in my heart and I miss her dearly. Thank you Jeff for the heartfelt message, you are in my prayers as you grieve the saddest time in your life
— Jan Taylor · May 3, 2026
So sorry, I just met her at Road to California this January and she was so kind to our group. We're stunned, condolences to her family and friends.
— Carmen Mitchell · May 8, 2026
Betty was a very sweet lady. She always called and followed up on my pending and shipped orders. She helped on zoom videos on Kimberbell projects. Loved seeing her on my computer screen. I never got to meet her in person because I live in Texas. But know she would have been just as fun in person. She will be missed for sure.
— Kelly McCallan · May 8, 2026