Betty Dell Goldfield

Betty Dell Goldfield of Westlake Village, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, at the age of 78. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold and Pearl Friedman, Betty grew up in a household filled with the kind of love that expected you to live life fully. She and older brother Morrie built a lifelong sibling friendship marked by humor, compassion and loyalty.

A proud Chicago native with the heart of a Californian, Betty built a remarkable life. For more than thirty years, she worked as an antiques appraiser and dealer. An occupation that suited her perfectly as she had an instinct for finding beauty where others might overlook it, and whether an art object or person, she approached each as if it carried a story worth discovering.

She found her first love, Alan, at just age 20 which lasted 40 fantastic years. Bravely, she was ready to reopen her heart and was blessed with a second love, Mike, that has flourished the past 10+ years with numerous adventures, laughs and remodels.

And like her career, Betty approached her personal life with enthusiasm, style, and heart. She was an avid traveler who delighted in exploring new corners of the world – safaris in Africa with Mike, tea ceremonies in Japan, castles in Scotland and with monks in Tibet – striking up conversations with strangers who quickly became friends. Whether being tossed aside by silverback gorillas, playing golf with her regular groups, organizing a competitive game of mahjong, or planning one of her festive family gatherings, Betty brought people together with a contagious zest for life. She was an example of realizing what is best in all of us.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Alan, and by her parents, Harold and Pearl. She is survived by her sons Garrett and Bil; their wives Megan and Kelly; her adored granddaughter Alana; her brother Morrie and sister-in-law Judi; her partner and love, Michael McDonnell and his family—sons Matthew and Mark, their wives Jen and Gaye, and grandchildren Makayla, Bryce, and Nora; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her family and friends will remember her laughter that filled a room, her impeccable taste, her irrepressible energy, and her ability to find joy and meaning in all things, great and small. Betty lived her 78 years exactly as she encouraged others to live theirs: with kindness, curiosity, and courage.

Her humor led her through life all the way until her passing. She never stopped being positive, looking toward the future, whether on this plane or the next. Standing as an inspiration to all of those who knew her.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in Westlake Village at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness or donations to a cancer research charity of your choice, in the spirit of Betty’s generous heart.