Obituary of Elizabeth Rose Bandyk

ELIZABETH PENDRACKI BANDYK Obituary Elizabeth Rose (Pendracki) Bandyk was born on April 23, 1929 to parents Carl and Rose Pendracki. She is survived by her four children, Matthew Bandyk, Andrew Bandyk, Marya Davis and Sarah Hamann, whom they adopted into their home and hearts. Elizabeth often said to her children, "You may not have been born flesh of my flesh, or bone of my bone, but you are heart of my heart." She truly made them feel loved, wanted and chosen. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Ashleigh, Charlie, Rose, Patrick, Maria and Maureen, as well as a younger brother, Carl Pendracki Jr. "If there ever comes a day Where we cant be together Keep me in your heart And Ill stay there forever." A.A. Milne "Winnie the Pooh" Services: Memorial Services to be held in late October, as arranged by her daughter, Marya. Final interment will be with her husband and her parents, at St Hedwig Cemetery, in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Gifts: In lieu of flowers, we offer for you to join the Cecchetti Council of America as they have now established the Betty Bandyk Scholarship Fund for Teachers, earmarking this scholarship specifically for the annual seminar for teachers to explore and study the Cecchetti Method. Teachers can learn and share knowledge in a positive and friendly atmosphere provided by the CCA and Hope College. The annual seminar is devoted to the art of teaching, emphasizing developing technique and the quality of movement, body placement, and style. Your tax-deductible donation will be graciously received either via online at https://www.cecchetti.org/donation/ Or you may mail a check to: Betty Bandyk Scholarship Fund c/o Cecchetti Council of America 23393 Meadows Avenue Flat Rock, Michigan 48334 The Cecchetti Council of America is an organization dedicated to maintaining the standards and method of ballet training established by Cav. Enrico Cecchetti. The organization uses his teaching and writings in a sequence of grades, carefully measured as to degree of difficulty and physical development, and provides a system of accredited examinations to test the students proficiency within those grades. The CCA was the first organization in the United States to adapt a uniform system of teaching and examinations. Since that time, it has developed outstanding teachers as well as students who have danced professionally in ballet companies across the world. The principal objective of the Cecchetti Council of America has always been to raise the quality of ballet teaching. This requires consistent attitudes of self-improvement and professional integrity on the part of each member teacher. The Council provides continuing educational opportunities through publications, refresher courses, and ballet conferences. Memorial Tribute On August 22, 2017 Elizabeth Pendracki Bandyk, known to her friends as Betty and to her ballet students as Miss Betty, passed peacefully at the age of 88. She has rejoined her husband and best friend of 59 years, Anthony Stanley Bandyk. They can now dance many polkas together, which gave them true joy. Ballroom dance floors often parted on their frequent cruises as others observed their skill and radiant happiness. Betty graduated from Detroits Immaculata High School, a catholic school for girls. From a young age, she took ballet, which became a true life-long passion. She began teaching ballet at her parents dance studio at only 12 years old. After high school, she continued teaching at various community centers and at the conservatory in Wyandotte. She was a Prima Ballerina with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and later went on to become a soloist for the Joey Harris Ballet Company in the early 1950s. When her performing career ended, she dedicated her life to teaching. Betty taught Polish Dancing in the late 40s for the Polish League in Detroit and joined the Cecchetti Council of American (CCA) soon after. She enjoyed years as the owner of Miss Bettys School of the Dance while her Mom, Rose, was the receptionist and Uncle Ivan was the handyman. In 1967 the studio was sold, but kept in the family. It is now known as Marcias School of Dance. Miss Betty continued her teaching at various ballet schools over the years and was a permeant examiner for the CCA. She studied and taught the Cecchetti Method of ballet, achieving the highest level certifications as both student and teacher. She not only taught ballet with amazing skill and knowledge but taught her students so much more. She mentored many ballet teachers. Betty went on to become the President of the Cecchetti Council of America for several years, as well as an examiner in this method, invited as a guest teacher and examiner all over the United States and other countries. Her career spanned over 60 years. Elizabeths other passions were entertaining, interior decorating, bargain shopping and making others feel welcome and at-ease with her genuine charm, graciousness, wit and kindness. She was a true lady of poise and grace. She was loved by many and missed by all who knew her. Come to Me God saw you were getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you, And whispered, "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best