Mary Elizabeth Storch

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Storch, a Newport Beach resident for over 70 years, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 26, 2021. She was 100 years old. Betty was born Mary Elizabeth Massey in Bakersfield, California on June 2, 1921. She was the youngest of four daughters of Antonio Nino Massey and Maria Elisa Eulalia Nozzie. A fifth generation Californian, she graduated from UC Berkeley in 1941 with a degree in English Literature.

After graduation, with World War ll escalating, she enlisted in the WAVES, the women's branch of the United States Naval Reserve. During her enlistment, she was stationed in New York and San Francisco, two cities she loved throughout her life. When the war ended in 1945, Betty moved home to Bakersfield. Within the first year, at an officer's ball, she met Lt. Colonel John Storch of Long Beach, California. Eighteen months later, the two were married at St. Francis Catholic Church in Bakersfield.

In 1950 Betty and John moved to Newport Beach and settled in the community of Bayshores, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They had four children, Anne, Sally, John and Judy. In addition to raising their children, Betty was actively involved in philanthropy. She was an early devoted parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, an active member of The Assistance League of Newport Beach and a committed volunteer for Hoag Hospital. Betty was perhaps best known and will forever be missed for her excellent sense of humor. In the months before her death, she was especially proud of being the oldest member of the Bayshores Community (100 years), as well as the longest member (70 years).

Betty is predeceased by her husband John, who passed away in 1985. She is survived by all four of her children, Anne Seagren, Sally Bunkall Turner (Ray Turner), John Storch (Margaret Storch), and Judy Esparros. Betty is also blessed by thirteen grandchildren; Angie and Chris Seagren, John, Henry and George Bunkall, Annabelle, Katy, Madeline, Stephanie and Jack Storch and John, Frank and Case Esparros.

She will be greatly missed by all. A private memorial mass and burial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, "stand up straight..."