Karma Za Betch, one of Seattle’s omnipresent Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, has died, the local Abbey of St. Joan announced via Facebook on Saturday:
With deep sorrow, the Sisters of the Abbey of St. Joan report the unexpected passing of a member of our order, Sister Karma Za Betch. We are still learning the circumstances of her death, which occurred earlier today. We ask the Nuns of the Above to welcome her and care for her as she passes through the veil to join them, and we know the party will be in full swing by the time we arrive to join her! Love & Light & Eternal Joy!
Seattle Gay Scene was the first to report the death and noted a comment left by Joe Krumbach about his brother Jon detailing that the 41-year-old had died “in full face” wearing the trademark heavy make-up of the Sisters.
Za Betch organized events for the local order including the upcoming Jockstraps and Glitter II – The Sisters vs. Quake Rugby. The Sister had also recently worked on re-starting a Q-Patrol on Capitol Hill.
Always able to put a smile on somebody’s face whether in or out of Sister makeup, Jon will be sorely missed.
I’m very, very sorry for the entire community’s LOSS! BUT now he’s learning the meaning to life, the rest of us can only speculate….
I never knew you, but the testimony from your own older brother makes me certain of what I already suspected: that you, Sister Karma, deserve a lot more recognition than you will probably receive. I admire anyone who lives their life to the fullest, and so I do you. To die in the midst of doing whatever it is we love the most is a great blessing, is it not? I hope you are happy in the great Unknown. HUGS RCW
You pass people on the street every day. Obviously a Sister is going to stand out (as well they should). But when you stop to say hi and chat with someone you never think it could be the last time… why would you? Karma left me with a smile, and I’m certain her smile is glowing even brighter now that her energy joined with the Universe. I truly cherish those last few minutes on the street corner that I was blessed to share with her. Treat every moment with everyone you care for as if you may not see them again on this side.
Jon, aka Karma, worked in ad sales at the SGN. He will be sorely missed. He was a true blue activist at heart. Loved his projects and his community. Not part of the old guys, he would have right at home at an ACT UP picket line.
And, yes, he liked having some major fun.
Today, we shed some tears at SGN and as I passed his office several times, empty, and as I peered in it was hard to deal with the thought – he is gone.
SGN will working with his brother and the other Sisters for a memorial service and charity event in his memory. The spirit of Karma is still there – stay tuned.
And hug your friends, family and associates, it is very true we only have the moment for sure.
George B. / SGN
This little straight girl from New York first heard about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from a very dear (and departed) friend in 1980. I would like to extend sincere condolences to all the Sisters of the Abbey of St. Joan. You dare to follow your hearts and I salute you. Sister Karma, you will be missed.