Like so many women at the time, Betty set aside her own dreams to support those of her husband. She wanted Jerry to be proud of her, and as with everything she did, Betty gave being a congressman’s wife 100 percent. What began as a two-year term in Washington turned into four years, then six, then eight, as Jerry continually got reelected. As he gained seniority in Congress, and traveled frequently, Betty was expected to be active in Congressional wives’ groups; a consummate hostess; travel guide to Michigan constituents visiting Washington; while simultaneously managing a busy household that grew to include four children.
On the outside it looked like she had it all: the former model and dancer, the beautiful congressman’s wife with the picture-perfect family.
But inside, Betty was struggling to find her own identity.