Beatriz Valdez Zari

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beatriz "Betty" Valdez Zari, who left us peacefully on September 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93. Born on July 27, 1932, in Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines, she was the youngest of five daughters to her parents, Dalmacio Valdez and Rufina Viray Valdez. Betty was a beacon of kindness, love, and warmth throughout her life.

Betty's journey to America in 1979 marked a significant chapter in her life, where she and her husband, Eliseo “Eli” S. Zari, sought new opportunities for their family. Before their relocation, Betty contributed her talents to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Philippines. Once settled in their new home in Los Angeles, she dedicated more than 25 years of her life working as an accountant for the City of Los Angeles, retiring in 2005. Betty’s career was not just a testament to her strong work ethic and her dedication to public service, but also a reflection of her unwavering desire to provide for her family.

Education played a vital role in Betty's life. She graduated from Victorino Mapa High School in Manila and furthered her studies at Manuel L. Quezon University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. This academic foundation allowed her to thrive in her professional endeavors and set a positive example for her children, Eliseo, III and Elizabeth.

As a mother, Betty was a guiding light, perpetually invested in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond blood, embracing her five step-children, Eliseo, Jr., Grace, Alexander, Jonathan, and Reuben, as her own. Betty’s legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren—Jan Alfred, Jeremiah, Joel, Ralph Gian, Julianne, Matthew, Megan, Ethan, and Sarah—and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were enveloped in her unwavering love and affection. Her many nieces and nephews will remember her for her kind heart and her generous spirit. She was a loving and devoted wife to Eli for 37 years, until his death in 2006.

Betty was also a vital member of her community. She and Eli were founding members of the Los Angeles Filipino-American United Church of Christ, established in 1982 in Pasadena, California. Betty left an indelible mark through her involvement in the choir and various church activities. Her faith and community spirit were cornerstones of her life, and she cherished every moment spent in fellowship with others.

Her personality was one full of gentleness and understanding; she was kind, forgiving, and always wore a smile. Betty was known for her generosity—she welcomed all into her home, often sharing her exceptional culinary skills. Whether it was cooking up the best kare kare, pancit, or her other signature dishes, her kitchen became a gathering space for family and friends. Many fond memories were created around the kitchen table, where everyone would come together to roll bilo-bilo for her ginataan, a family favorite.

Betty leaves behind a loving sister, Rufina Recio, and a multitude of family members, friends, and loved ones who were touched by her spirit. She is reunited in eternal rest with her late husband Eli, her sisters Sara Palaypay, Estela Valdez, and Luz Delos Santos, as well as her parents Dalmacio Valdez and Rufina Viray Valdez, and her step-son Eliseo, Jr.

While Betty may no longer be with us, her legacy of love, compassion, and joy endures in the hearts of those she touched. A visitation will be held at Forest Lawn - Glendale on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM, and again on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 10 AM to 8 PM, followed by a funeral service on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 9 AM. Her memory will forever illuminate our lives, and we are grateful for the time we shared with such a remarkable woman.