Betty Rose Guzman, age 65, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at her home in Eureka. Beloved daughter of Reyes & Rose Guzman, she was born July 10, 1950 in San Jose.

After graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1969, Betty started working for Pacific Bell as a telephone operator. She stayed with the company for over 30 years and especially enjoyed her position in engineering. Betty also became Vice President of her local Communication Workers of America (CWA) Union and was an advocate for workers rights.

In 1981, Betty gave birth to her only daughter, Adriana. Her daughter was the light of her life whom she treasured more than anything in the world. Their great love for each other was reflected through their strong bond as mother and daughter. Throughout the years, Betty and Adriana were hardly ever apart from each other. Betty moved with her daughter to Eureka in 1999 so Adriana could attend college. Betty was employed for many years at Security National and then moved on to Remi Vista, where she assisted developmentally disabled adults.

Betty will be remembered as a beautiful, classy lady who loved her dresses and high heels. She always looked her best everywhere she went. Family and friends were Betty’s passion. Early in life, she loved teaching her little brother, Thomas, all the best James Brown dance moves. She continued to delight in music and dancing throughout her life. Betty drew people in with her magnetic personality and genuine nature. She was extremely generous and loving and knew how to connect deeply with others, often making life-long friends. She loved to entertain and frequently hosted holiday parties at her house.

Betty is survived by her mother, Rose Guzman, of Eureka ; daughter, Adriana Fintel (John) of Eureka; brothers, Reyes Guzman Jr. and Thomas Guzman (Coya) of Eureka; aunts and uncle, Vivian Rodriguez of San Jose, Ruben & Dorothy Cuenca of San Jose; cousin Linda Ybarra (Robert) and friend Celia Barron, who were extremely close to her, as well as many other friends and relatives. She is preceded in death by her father Reyes E. Guzman; grandparents, Thomas & Nelly Martinez, Edward & Belen Guzman; and her uncle Fred Rodriguez.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Fratkin, her nurse Kat, and the staff at Hospice for their compassionate care during Betty’s last few months.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Center church on Sept. 26th, 2015 at 10:30 am. A celebration of life and potluck will follow at the Moose Lodge in McKinleyville, 2 p.m. Please come and celebrate her life with us and share your favorite stories. 

###

The obituary above was submitted by Betty Rose Guzman’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.