Deanna Frances A. Betts

Deanna was born on September 19, 1938 as the first child and only daughter of Attorney Macario Baldon Atizado, Jr. and Priscilla Acuña Atizado in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines.  Her birth was followed by those of her 4 brothers, Adrian, Allan, Glenn and Dexter.

Deanna was a good student and in 1956 she began her studies at the University of Santo Tomas. In November of 1957 she was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Epsilon sorority where she participated in theatrical performances and became part of the Philippine Folk Dance Society. In 1959 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, then began teaching English at HGC High School for girls. That same summer she competed in the NCPE’s May 1st Festival and Pageant and won the title of Miss Mayflower. 

In mid 1960, Deanna met the love of her life, Francis William Betts, or as she affectionately called him “Honeycomb”.  Little did they know that they had both attended the same elementary school and university. They married on May 27, 1964 and decided to start a family.  The following year, they were blessed with their firstborn son, Patrick Randolf.  Then, followed the blessings of their other 4 sons, Francis William II, Joseph Oswald II, Michael Wayne, and John Christopher. 

In 1983 the Betts Family moved to the United States to start a new life.  They spent most of their years in Buena Park, CA.  Then,  after a while, her sons began to marry and have children.  She didn’t fit the stigma of a mother-in-law.  On the contrary, she treated all of the wives as if they were her own daughters, with love and respect, and doted on them with Avon jewelry at Christmas that she would buy throughout the year.  She loved and was proud of her grandkids and great-grandkids.  She taught them the “I Have Two Hands” song, she made money eggs for the Easter egg hunt,  goodie bags for camping, and she would talk about them often.

Her family meant the world to her and she made sure that they were never in need of anything.  We would get calls saying, “I cooked.  When can you come by to pick some up?”  or “We have canned goods for you in case of emergency.”  She never missed a birthday or anniversary, and would send reminder texts, sometimes at 2 or 3 A.M., for the whole family to greet them. 

Deanna was the hostess extraordinaire. Whether it was monthly birthday and holiday gatherings at the house, or our yearly trips to Lake Arrowhead and beach camping, she always made sure that plenty of food was involved. Even as her health began to fail and she needed dialysis 3 times a week, her first question after treatment was, “Where are we going to eat?”

Deanna held many titles. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandma, great-grandma, auntie, and a friend to many.

Deanna Frances Atizado Betts was called home by her Lord and Savior on the morning of  

May 3, 2023 to join her “Honeycomb” whom she longed to be with since his passing last August. 

She was beautiful both inside and out and will be dearly missed, however we know that

 this is not goodbye, but see you later!