Woman was really in the swim of sport

Betty Gaitsch: 1925-2008

When synchronized swimming became an Olympic sport in 1984, with solo and duet competitions, Betty Gaitsch of Des Plaines realized a longtime dream.

Mrs. Gaitsch had worked in the sport as a coach and a performer since 1960, helping to build the Lattof YMCA's award-winning AquaSprite team, which continues to compete, both in age group and in U.S. Masters competitions.

"She was one of the first women involved in the program," says LaVerne Mason of Arlington Heights, who coached and performed with Mrs. Gaitsch.

Together with Mason and head coach, Nanette Zach of Mount Prospect, they competed in the annual YMCA water show as the "Mermaid Mamas," and in the early 1980s, were the first trio to compete at the national level.

"Of course we won first place," Mason says. They continued to medal and traveled across the country for national competitions.

Now, their trio is down to two. Mrs. Gaitsch died Sunday. The lifelong Des Plaines resident was 83.

Mrs. Gaitsch started working at the YMCA in the late 1950s, shortly after it opened. She worked at the lunch counter, but after she enrolled in a synchronized swimming class, she discovered her new passion.

She went on to serve as a volunteer coach for the next 40 years, specializing in working with the younger swimmers just starting in the sport.

"She was an amazing teacher, with so much patience," says Nancy Zack-Pucek of Mount Prospect, who came up in the sport under Mrs. Gaitsch. "Many of her younger swimmers went on to qualify for the U.S. Nationals."

As a coach, she helped to choreograph the team's numbers, and always selected upbeat music, colleagues say, with a distinct and driving rhythm that helped swimmers synchronize their timing.

Mrs. Gaitsch also went on to become certified as a national judge and served in that capacity for the U.S. Synchronized Swimming organization until four years ago.

She retired from the AquaSprites in 2000, but continued to remain supportive of the sport.

Mrs. Gaitsch is survived by her husband of 60 years, Raymond, as well as sons David W. (Marilyn L.) Gaitsch, Bruce R. (Janey Clewer) Gaitsch and Thomas F. (Lisa Keefe) Gaitsch; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, at Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., in Des Plaines, before a 11 a.m. Thursday funeral service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., in Des Plaines.