Betty Roa

Birth date: May 3, 1923 Death date: Dec 27, 2020

Betty Roa of Fremont, CA passed away on December 27, 2020 following a stroke a few days earlier. Betty was born on May 3, 1923 in Harmony, MN to Harry and Selma Workman. After graduating from Harmony High School, she earned her te Read Obituary

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Sharon Howard

247w ago

My memories of Betty began in 1962, my family moved to Fremont, in a new housing track, and lived one house away from Debbi, Betty and Bing. Debbi and I became close friends and her folks were the best. My life goes so far back when I think of it, and often in those thoughts I pause at what a true blessing, in my life, having them as neighbors was.
My dad died three years after moving to that neighborhood, the Roa's pulled me in a little closer and you don't forget people like Betty, and I must say Bing too, they were good and kind to me, my brother and mom. I could always talk to Betty and often visited her the years while raising my family and into my sixty's, somehow after a visit I always felt the same, like that was exactly what I needed, a visit with Betty. My love for maple furniture started with Betty's decorating, no doubt about it. Her Christmas letter this past Christmas, it especially tugged at my heart when received, little did I know why then, but she seemed at peace with how life had worked out. I am so glad she had a long life and her pride and joy, Debbi, was always near and the joy Deb's family brought to Betty made for a wonderful life. I miss Betty, it has been nearly 60 years that I knew she was in visiting distance, I feel her spirit with me now, as she was like a mom to me, Love you always, Sharon

Debora Cessford

249w ago

It was 1968 and I was a bit nervous. A foreign exchange student from Holland going to the US. It could not have been a happier year, with Betty, Bing and daughter Debbi Roa. Betty was a sweet foster mother and also strict in a positive way. She even helped rewriting, correcting and typing some projects I had to do in Washington Highschool ... it is a year I will always cherish, so much fun, so many happy memories. I visited again in the 70’s with a girlfriend, again in the 80’s with my husband and 2 year old son, then in the 90’s with our teenage kids and recently, in 2017. She was in very good form, very acute and we laughed a lot together. Last year she still wrote me a beautifully handwritten letter. It was such a privilege to have Betty as a Mom, will never forget her, à Dieu Mom

Charlene Hillman

249w ago

I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Roa, through my friendship with her daughter, Debbi. Ironically, while teaching third grade at Oliveria Elementary School in Fremont, Mrs. Roa taught my younger sister, Jacque. Also while teaching kindergarten at Cabrillo Elementary School, she taught my Brother, Dana. She was an amazing person, who loved watching young children learn to love school. I’m so glad that I made the effort to have coffee with her, Debbi, as well as my mom and sister during my last visit to Fremont. At that time she was just as vibrant and active as I had remembered. After volunteering to help Debbi once in her classroom, I know how exhausting it can be working with first graders. I’m sure that Mrs. Roa (Grandma) has made a great impression on these children and helped them to become better people. I send my prayers to Debbi and her entire family and hope that they are able to have a service that will allow them the chance to celebrate her wonderful life.
With love,
Charlene Hillman

Jan Arney

249w ago

We enjoyed many good times with Betty and Bing over the years. She kept the church meetings and activities fun and interesting. We loved hearing her stories and about current activities she participated in. She will be missed by so many and always remembered as a very special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Jan and Glenn Arney

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