A brilliant woman she went to school to please her parents before she entered show business. Years of dancing and being active should have kept her healthy. Its a case of genetics taking someone far earlier then her friends. It must make Betty feel a bit alone as the bulk of her friends and collegues have preceded her.
Oh, my goodness. I really liked her. My favorite role she did was as Mrs. Topper in the "Topper" movie with Kate Jackson back in 1980. She was a real hoot.
I don't think anyone saw this coming. RIP.