Betty’s mom passed away last Monday.
She’s been living a life that hasn’t been very enjoyable for quite a few years so we are glad her suffering is over but it’s always hard to say goodbye to someone who’s been such a large part of your life.
When Betty and I met in 1993 her mom lived in the house Betty grew up in. It was in Van Nuys just a short distance from downtown Van Nuys. In 1993 she was still quite good but it was plain she was getting nearer to the time when she would need help.
I’m not sure exactly when but I believe it was around 2000 that she moved in with Betty’s youngest sister Donna. Donna lived in Santa Clarita which is about 25 miles north of Los Angeles. She lived in a double wide trailer with her 2 sons and one daughter. The sons and daughter eventually moved out and it was just Donna and Alice.
Alice began showing signs of Alzheimer’s in the early 2000s (probably around 2003) but her health was still okay. Over the last 5 years she’s gotten worse and it was close to a year since she had been out of the house.
Last weekend Donna said she stopped eating and was much worse than she had seen her. Monday morning Donna talked to her and she opened her eyes, then closed them for good.
She is survived by 4 children listed in age from oldest down. Cliff is married to Gloria and they have 2 sons and a daughter. Lillian was never married. Betty was married twice and has 3 daughters. Donna was married to Dennis Price (who passed away last year) and has 2 sons and a daughter.
This was taken at Forest Lawn. Next Thursday there will be a memorial service.