Betty Zamzow Gagliardi was born, raised, and lived in Gilroy until her passing on December 14, 2024 at the age of 94. She was the eldest of her siblings: Marian (Wetmore), Emil, and Harold. While working at a local ice cream shop as a soda jerk, she met the love of her life, Al, and they married in 1947. She wrote, "Al – that was forever," and "One of the best parts of my life was raising our daughters (Carol, Peggy, and Susie)." Betty was a 'dance mom,' even writing the steps for Carol to practice at home. She sewed elaborate costumes, matching outfits for her three girls, dressy clothes, ball gowns, and school clothes. She also knitted many sweaters and dresses.

Betty was an impeccable homemaker, preparing nightly home cooked meals, casseroles, cakes for all occasions, pies, cobblers, and also food for family and friends, often with items from the garden or Al's day fishing or picking fruit. She volunteered for school activities, Camp Fire Girls and Boys, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Bonanza Days, participated in activities with the Gilroy Historical Society and supported veteran's activities with Al. The family celebrated many special occasions, parties, and barbeques, and also visited all the local attractions, many beaches, parks, and fishing spots. Betty planned family vacations to many destinations in the travel trailer: state parks, the Redwoods, Disneyland, San Diego, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Canada, Mexico. Betty loved to dance, play bridge and other card games, read, walk, and visit family and friends. Betty worked at Brownell Middle School for 12 years while being caregiver and devoted Mom to precious daughter Susie for 10 years until Susie's death in 1973. Al also preceded Betty to heaven on March 16, 2024, and upon her death, her urn was buried with Al and Susie.

Surviving daughters and families:

Carol Kimener (VA): PJ Kimener, Jaelyn and Nova, Maddox, Avery, Chase (FL); Mark & Amelia Kimener, Dax, Brynn, Jade, Brock (VA); Tim & Eartha Kimener, Crosby, Elden (OR); Terry & Emily Kimener, Libby, Mandy, Carter, Anni (RI); Kelly & Barry Bausher, Emma, George, Jonathan, Lucas (FL); Ashley & Betsy Angel-Kimener, Jordan (VA)

Peggy Gagliardi Skinner (CA): Monica & Feliciano Moniz, Lainie, Kaylie, Chloie, Chelsie (CA); Tyson Skinner & Aron Cantrell, Eli, Cameron (WA); Carianne Skinner & Matt Vaurs (CA); Jaime Skinner-Lopez & Roy Lopez (CA), Roy Lopez (IL), Tayo Bernal (CA), Olivia Bernal (CA)

Betty's memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 am at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 651 Broadway, Gilroy, CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Stephen's. All are welcome.

Betty's words: "Born to be a wife, mother, grandmother (and great-grandmother) - my vocation, loved it!"