Betty Roa's Obituary
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 teaching credential at Mankato State, which would mark the beginning of her long teaching career. In 1947 she took a trip to visit her sister, Doris, in California where she met her future husband Clarence “Bing” Roa. They were married in 1948. Daughter Debbi was born in 1952, and soon after, Betty returned to teaching in San Leandro. The family moved to Fremont in 1962, where Betty continued to teach until her retirement in 1986. In 2002 Betty decided she had done enough sitting and returned to the classroom to help Debbi with her first graders at Graham Elementary School in Newark. Every day she drove herself to school where she stayed for 2 or 3 hours reading with students, helping a small group with math, passing out hugs, wiping tears, applying bandages, and helping in any way she could. Because Debbi was also “Mrs. Roa,” the kids decided to call her “Grandma.”
The time she spent with them kept her happy and young. She finally had to retire again in 2018 after problems with mobility caused her to hang up the car keys. Former students continued to come by the classroom to ask about Grandma and pass on their love.
Betty was a voracious reader and often read 2 books a week. She loved writing letters to her family and friends and even learned to watch her Sunday church service on her iPad “all by herself.” Her life was long and full and her family is grateful for the quality time they were able to
spend with her. In addition to her family and friends, we would like to send a special thank you to the staff of St. Therese Care Home, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Washington Hospital, her family at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and especially all of her “Grahammies” who made her life so special.
Betty is survived by daughter, Debbi, son-in-law Don Bolce; grandchildren Cody, Gigi, and Shyamal; niece Ann Mraz, grandnephew Brad Thacher; and nieces on the Roa side. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Bing, her sisters Louise Yeoman and Doris Sampson, and brothers Ross and Roger Workman.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will not be services held at this time. If you knew Betty, please share a favorite memory of her with someone you love. If you would like to make a contribution
in her honor, please consider donating a book to your local school or a child in need.
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