Betty Ford by Zaharina Velazquz

Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Bloomer Ford
April 8, 1918


Life Story:
Betty Ford was born in Chicago Illinois to Elizabeth Anne Bloomer and William Stephenson Bloomer Sr. She is the youngest of 3 and the only girl. At the age of eleven, she modeled clothes and taught other children dance. At sixteen, her father died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Living in Michigan now, she graduated from Central High School in 1933. When it came time to choose a profession, Betty decided to continue with dance. Compromising with her mother, she went to Bennington School of Dance in Vermont and graduated in 1935. From there she moved to New York but returned to Michigan in 1941, where she was a fashion coordinator at a department store. In 1942 she married William C. Warren but divorced after 5 year because of "imcompatibility". Then in 1948 she married Gerald R. Ford Jr. who later became the 38th president of the United States. Together for 58 years, they had 4 children.

Works and Awards:

• Became First Lady in 1947.
• Founded the Betty Ford Center.
  

Best Known For:
Betty Ford is best known for her habits and activism. She is noted for her help in the raise of breast cancer awareness and during the women rights movement. Her most memorable habit was the ability to comment on all topics. She openly spoke of sex, drugs, abortion, feminism, equal pay, and gun control. And most memorable is her founding of the Betty Ford Center after facing alcholism herself.

Why its Important:
Betty Ford is important not only for all the things she did, but what she represents. She is a liberal, well learned woman not afraid to speak her mind. At the time when women were considered less important than men she stood out. She commented on all aspects of social life and did so educatedly. She is a role model for all women at any point in history.