Betty was born in Sarawak, where she grew up helping her mother raise her younger sisters, Agnes and Sandra. She lived a life of service to others. Fluent in seven languages, she traveled to longhouses to teach home economics and hygiene, and served her community as a midwife. She also assisted her uncle with his business, helping set up contracts in timber and other opportunities. She later started her own travel agency, and in 1987, she was honored with the Gold Award from Malaysian Department of Tourism for the most creative tour package.
While Allen Fistolera was working in Malaysia, the two traveled together—always up for adventure, from climbing Mt. Kota Kinabalu to exploring local caves and waterfalls. In the late 90s, Betty and Allen married and she moved to California.
Betty had a deep love for children. She helped many relatives care for their little ones, and those who knew her as children have very fond memories of her. She knew many people in Miri and was often seen stopping to embrace someone while out and about. She touched many lives.
She studied extensively for her U.S. Citizenship test and was very proud to have passed it.
Betty enjoyed western cowboy movies, shopping—especially at thrift shops—shoes with a little lift, and purses of all sizes. She always looked forward to her rice, and she loved fresh shrimp! She treasured being at family gatherings, where she delighted in seeing people laugh, eat, and visit.
She also frequented community events such as the Summer Sonata and the Fall Harvest Festival at Modesto Junior College. She made friends easily. She may not have known her table mates when she sat down, but she certainly knew them by the time she got up to leave.
She is survived by her husband Allen Fistolera, her sisters Agnes and Sandra, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family in Malaysia and California.
Service Time/Location
Services will be held Thursday, September 10, at Lakewood Funeral Home and Memorial Park
900 Santa Fe Ave Hughson, CA (in the Heritage Chapel)
Viewing: 9:30am - 10:30am
Rosary and Service: 10:30am - about 12:00pm
Followed by a brief graveside committal
A beautiful and lasting way to honor Betty is by supporting groundbreaking dementia research through the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center.
https://together.ucsf.edu/tribute
