Betty B. Gleason

A celebration of life service for Betty will be held Friday, January 3, 2020 at 2:00 PM at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 St Andrews Rd, Newport Beach, California 92663, followed by a reception also at St Andrews Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty's memory may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation - Newport Beach, 1 Hoag Drive, Newport Beach, California 92663 US, http://hoaghospitalfoundation.org/giving/hoag-newport-beach.html or to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Gleason family.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Remembering Her Life

Born in Pomona, California, Betty was the only child of

Robert and Winifred Bacon.  A favorite pastime was spending summer days at Balboa Island and Newport Beach with friends. In her teens she overcame polio and faced the sudden death of her father with the

perseverance that she exhibited her entire life.

Her late teens began her lifelong connection with Hoag Hospital, her parents being the first administrators. Betty would fondly recall making beds the night before the hospital opened and working the switchboard.

After graduating from USC, she taught elementary school

briefly before marrying Frederick “Kam” Gleason in 1956. Betty’s real

avocation, however, was as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Betty relished the time as her family grew, and her children grew up, first in Fullerton, then Placentia. She spent untold hours encouraging her family and attending to her children in their school and extra-curricular activities. Betty also gave time to the Junior League and PTA, FISH, Placentia-Linda Hospital, Placentia Presbyterian Church and other organizations. In the 70’s and 80’s she returned to education as a teacher’s aide.

Highlights of each year included time with her family during

an annual Easter trip to Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, family vacations, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her joy over the years increased as these events grew with the addition of the spouses of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1988 Betty and Kam moved to Newport Beach, traveled

extensively, and spent time with friends. Betty remained involved in the lives

of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. She and Kam also hosted a small group bible study for over two decades. Betty continued her volunteer work, now with the New Mothers program at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and local charities. In addition, Betty increased her involvement with Hoag Hospital. In more recent years Betty welcomed the addition of three great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Betty prioritized friendship and kindness; many considered her as an added mother or grandmother. Betty will be remembered for a fierce love of her family, and as a kind-hearted and generous person, willing to listen to other’s life stories and provide a hug and positive outlook.

Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Frederick “Kam” Gleason, her children – Lyn Chadez and husband Don, Beth McManis and husband Sam, and Gary Gleason and wife Annie; her grandchildren – Kristin, Scott, Casey, Cormac, Maggie, Rebecca and Carina; and her greatgrandchildren – William, Evan and Jonah.