Ana Maria Rosario Betancourt

Ana Maria Arocho-Betancourt, also known as “Dona” Ana, to many and as Mami, Guela and Grandma, Grandmama to her children and grandchildren, was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, first daughter of Matilde Arocho-Rosario and Angel Arocho y Rosario. She was sister to Enrique Arocho, Rosalie Arocho-Perez, Angel Adolfo Arocho, Regalada Arocho-Martinez; mother to Irma N. Betancourt-Friedman, Minerva Betancourt-Torres, Victor M. Betancourt Jr; grandmother to Amanda Torres -Lewis, Aaron Matthew Friedman, Alexander Torres, Alyssa Marie Friedman; great-grandmother to Keaton James Friedman-Wills, and 2 others yet to be born; Titi to many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law to Ron, Henry and Wanda; wife of 62 years to Victor Manuel Betancourt “Vitin”; and amazing friend to many; passed away at the age of 80 in Cape Coral, Florida Monday August 7, 2017. She was preceded in death by her 2 brothers, a sister and a nephew.

As a teenager, Ana relocated to the Bronx, New York with her parents and siblings. There, she met Victor, and soon married in 1955. New York would be their home for most of their lives, raising 3 children. Juggling her time as a full-time assembly line worker and home maker, it was not hard to see what truly mattered in her life. It was her family, a job, tradition and culture. After raising her 3 children, and vehemently instilling traditional, moral values and a culturally rich upbringing, years later she assisted with the care of two of her beautiful grandchildren; the next generation.

Cape Coral Florida would be her adopted town and state for 7 years prior to her passing. She truly made it her home, enjoyed the proximity and company of family, newly found friendships and St. Andrews; her Catholic church.

Ana was an amazing cook and entertainer. The characteristic rich smells of her Puerto Rican cuisine will forever be a memory to all those who knew her and were fortunate to be entertained in her kitchen and home. No one left her home hungry and no one will ever be able to imitate the rich flavors she prepared with such gusto.

Ana had a genuine love for humanity; she loved everyone and anyone regardless of creed, culture, religion and life choices. She had an uncanny way of striking up conversation with strangers, and for many to reveal to her their inner most secrets and desires, was not a surprise to her. Laughter and a sense of humor were truly inherent qualities she possessed. She thrived on conversation, and company. She was not judgmental and had no enemies.

She had a deep love for animals. Having had the blessing of owning several pet cats in her life, she felt it too painful to love another pet and losing them to a short life expectancy, so recently, it was her choice not own another pet. Instead, on occasion, she cared for and loved what she would refer to her “furry grandchildren.”

Finally, her deep love of God and her commitment to a personal relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ was truly a comfort to her, throughout her trying times.

Ana leaves behind a legacy of what you might say, a huge heart and genuine self for all to treasure. The loss we feel is immense; we are heart broken, but her memory will bring comfort and a smile to our hearts and soul. One thing for sure, Heaven indeed has gained another Angel.

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to the emergency personnel, the Doctors and Nurses, and to her primary care Physician for their efforts and care.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2017; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home 1630 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33991

Mass of Christian/Catholic Burial, Thursday, August 17, 2017 10:30 am at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. South, Cape Coral, FL

Rite of Committal & Burial, Thursday, August 17, 2017 1:30 pm; Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 SR 72 Sarasota, FL 34241.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations if you wish, to Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916. Tel# 239 332-0364, www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org to visit their web page and donations.

To offer online condolences, visit Coral Ridge Funeral Home Cape Coral at: www.coralridgefuneralhome.com