Glenna E. Ozaeta

May 30, 1950 – November 12, 2025

Glenna Evadne Ozaeta Myers a mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and caregiver passed away at the age of 75, after a 4-year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Glenna dedicated much of her life to service first as a teacher, then as a caregiver here between Monterey County and Santa Clara County.

Early Life and Family

Ms. Glenna E. Williams was born on May 30, 1950, the fifth of seven children—two sons and five daughters—of Mr. Walter Gustavus Williams and Mrs. Hazel Wilhelmina Burgess in the town of Monkey River, Toledo District, Belize. As a child she was described as beautiful, mild-mannered, studious, and gifted, with a voice “like a nightingale.” Her sister Betty-Jean recalled their father admiring Glenna dressed for church, saying she “looks like Queen Esther,” a memory her mother quietly treasured. Glenna carried herself with a quiet dignity—an easy, slow-moving river that ran deep.

Teaching Career and Marriage

Blessed with a love of learning, and passion for teaching, Glenna’s teaching career spanned more than 20 years (from 1967 - 1991). Glenna rose from Pupil/Associate Teacher to graduate of the Belize Teachers’ College (1981–1983), earning her Trained Teacher’s Diploma in Primary Education She began teaching in her hometown as a helper at the Anglican Primary School after obtaining her Primary School Certificate, and earned her First Class Teacher’s Certificate while teaching at May Pen SDA Primary (1967–1968). It was there she met Mr. Alfonso E. Ozaeta Sr., the teacher-principal.

In December 1969, Glenna and Alfonso Ozaeta were married and remained so for 36 years. Their union produced four sons: Cameron, Ward, Sheldon, and Alfonso Jr. The family moved several times for teaching appointments, ultimately relocating to Belmopan in 1972, where Glenna taught at the Belmopan Infants’ School until 1991. She stepped away from classroom teaching in early 1992 due to health issues (colitis).

Church Life and Service

Glenna was instrumental in the formation of the Belmopan SDA Church (1977–1979) and served faithfully in many roles: Sabbath School Teacher and Superintendent, Adventist Youth leader, greeter, and a beloved singer at evangelistic meetings and crusades. Her

trademark hymns included “Acres of Diamonds,” “One More Valley, One More Hill,” “I Come to the Garden Alone,” and “Blessed Assurance.” She and other sisters organized potlucks, prepared food for visiting Bible workers, and supported evangelistic efforts with tireless devotion.

Immigration to United States, Caregiving

The Ozaeta family obtained U.S. residency in early 1992 and migrated to the United States in December of that year. Glenna studied caregiving in a short program after obtaining her CNA certification. Glenna worked as a professional caregiver and CNA from 1994–2007 (over 12 years). She worked with two to three agencies, including Central Coast VNA Home Health Care, and served with compassion and dedication to those in her care.

Through her work as a caregiver, she met and later married in 2007 her second husband, Sgt. Major Paul F. Myers, Jr., US Army (Ret.), who also served as a Monterey County Deputy Sheriff (Ret.) for 15 years. Glenna cared for him through his illness until his passing in 2007.

Motherhood, Faith, and Character

Glenna was an extremely protective and devoted mother. She guided her sons with firm, fair, and friendly discipline—insisting on daily study, regular family worship, faithful Bible reading, and the development of their musical and other talents. Her children never went hungry or ragged; they knew they were loved to the core.

Her confidence in God was expressed through her favorite scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 46; Philippians 4:13; Philippians 4:19.

Health Diagnosis, Final Days, and Passing

In May 2022 our mother was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)--a rare disease and a form of blood cancer, and was given an indeterminable amount of time to live. According to the medical team the prognosis was, “she could be here today, and gone tomorrow, a few weeks, or a few months at best”. Little did the doctors, and medical professionals know, that God has the final say. God gave her more than three years from the time of that prognosis.

The three years proved to be more challenging as Glenna became more debilitated, and completely bedbound, with end-stage MDS. She became more transfusion dependent as the three main cellular components of the blood became severely deficient.

In 2025 her need for blood transfusions increased and she often sensed that her time was drawing near. Her family gathered around her; and in the last weeks she was comforted by bedside visits, prayers, and Scripture readings. On the early morning of Wednesday, November 12, 2025, our mother Glenna E. Ozaeta Myers breathed her final breath and surrendered her soul into the arms of her compassionate Savior, confident in the Blessed Hope and the promise of the resurrection.

Preceded in death by:

● Sgt. Major Paul F. Myers, Jr., US Army (Ret.), Monterey County Deputy Sheriff (Ret.)

Survived by:

● 4 sons: Cameron, Ward, Sheldon, and Alfonso Ozaeta, Jr.

● 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.

● 2 sisters: Betty-Jean Williams Neufeld and Laverne Williams.

● 12 nieces and nephews.

A Life Remembered

Glenna’s life was one of service—teacher, church volunteer, caregiver, mother, and faithful witness. She loved deeply, taught faithfully, and sang to God’s glory. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, the many lives she touched through teaching and caregiving, and in the church, she helped establish. She will be remembered for her strength, her steadfast faith, and the quiet depth of a life well lived.