Betty Charlene (Truzzolino) Wood, graced this world with her love and beauty for 85 years. Surrounded by her four children and husband, Betty passed peacefully into the presence of The Lord, on April 10, 2019. She was born in Butte, Montana on July 6, 1933 to parents John Truzzolino of Montana, and Mary (Owens)Truzzolino of Wyoming. Betty’s grandfather, Vincenzo Truzzolino, started producing and selling tamales to Butte copper miners in early 1900’s. Today the family’s food business continues to delight faithful consumers throughout the Northwest.
Her brother Jack Truzzolino, of Butte, and sister Carole (Truzzolino) Kolman, of Boise, Idaho, both preceded Betty into heaven. Her beloved grandson, Nile Calvin Moss passed from this world in 2007 and waited joyfully for his “Zsa Zsa” to arrive.
Betty lives on in the minds and hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, steadfast partner and tender caregiver, Donald A. Wood. They were married on June 12, 1955 in Butte. Don and Betty met in elementary school, became friends at Butte High School, and courted through a long distance relationship during college. He left Montana for a career in California, and pledged to bring her home every summer. He fulfilled that vow every year for 61 summers. Only her inability to travel delayed her return these past two years.
Betty is cherished and celebrated by her son David Wood of San Diego, and his wife Stacey Zoyiopoylos; daughters Sharon Wood and Sandra Wood of Mission Viejo; Carole (Wood) Moss and her husband Tyrone Moss of Gavilan Hills. Grandson Caine Moss of San Francisco, his wife, Maha, and their sons Dean and Dillon Moss, also remember Betty with love.
Betty became a Registered Nurse at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. During those college years, she met best friend Kathy Whitaker. She thought so much of Kathy she introduced her to beloved brother Jack. They were married and later raised three children in Butte, Montana.
Today, Kathy lives in Missoula, Montana. Her children Laura Cassidy and husband Kerry; John Truzzolino and wife Janelle; Rick Truzzolino and wife Lori, plus her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren remember many hours of fun with Betty during her annual migration to Montana.
Brother-in-law, Lisle Wood, added humorous stories, musical magic and friendship to Betty’s life. He shared summer days with Betty in Montana, and winter days in California. He preceded Betty into heaven this year. His children Alex Wood and wife Jolene of Missoula, and daughter Zoe Wood of Mexico, remember their aunt Betty with deep affection.
The children of Betty’s sister Carole, also recall their aunt’s compassion. Ken Kolman and wife Robbie Kolman live in Boise. Robert Kolman, wife Frances Kolman and their son David, live in Longmont, Colorado.
During her children’s elementary school years, Betty volunteered as a nurse for the PTA, girl scouts, and Veteran’s Administration hospital. She returned to the workforce as a home health nurse for the residents of Leisure World and became an advocate for elder care issues. She helped established the first not-for-profit-hospice Southern California in early 1970’s and served as director for ten years.
Betty’s creative outlets included the art of floral arrangements, quilting, and knitting. She also liked to make sourdough bread, apple pie, Almond Roca and “Betty’s ‘Sghetti Sauce”. She spent years creating and maintaining beautiful gardens, and decades cultivating good friendships. She laughed with loved ones during really good times, and listened carefully in their hardest times.
During her annual migration between Montana and California, Betty carried her love for family and friends in her heart. She couldn’t see or touch the people she left behind, but we knew that her love was only one thought away. Her most often repeated phrases were: “Thank you.” “I love you.” “If you need anything, I’ll be there.”
Betty carries a piece of many hearts with her. For those who were blessed to be loved by her, she remains just one beautiful thought away.
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