Elizabeth Josephine Brooks

“Betty” devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Companion and Friend was born September 19, 1933 in Oakland, California and died January 11, 2021 in La Mesa, California due to complications from COVID-19.

Betty is survived by her sons Carey Brooks (wife Patty), Kevin Brooks (wife Diane) and Curtis Brooks (wife Diane); grandchildren Amber Brooks, Austin Brooks, Colton Brooks and Trenton Brooks (wife Danica); and great grandchild Charlotte Brooks.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Benjamin “Benny” Brooks, parents Lorenzo and Alice Riera, whom immigrated to the United States from Spain; her twin brother George Riera, sister Marie Baker and brother Larry Riera; and companion Robert Wolford.

Betty grew up in Oakland, California where she met her husband Benny, who was stationed there while in the Navy. After they were married in 1956 they moved to San Diego, California, where they bought a house in the Allied Gardens area, which she lived in for 60 years. Together they raised three sons. They were married for 38 years before Benny’s death.

Betty was the ultimate homemaker, and since Benny was at work, in addition to two overseas deployments, she was the one who ran the house, organizing and keeping things in order. As a devoted and loving mother, Betty, along with Benny, was involved in many of their sons’ activities including Allied Gardens American Little League, Cub Scouts and Pop Warner football; always supporting her sons, instilling values and character into their lives. They often went camping in the Cuyamaca mountains where she made delicious chocolate chip pancakes every morning. Additionally, she was a devoted member of Saint Therese Church for over 60 years.

Betty was a great cook and her specialty was “Arroz con Pollo” (chicken with rice), which was passed down from her mother Alice and later passed down to her daughter-in-laws. Betty and Benny’s house was the center of the neighborhood, where many activities took place. They often entertained all their friends in the neighborhood with parties and barbeques.

As a grandmother Betty was active in her grandkids lives, attending the many birthday parties, school activities and sporting events.

Following the death of her husband Benny, Betty wanted to stay active in the community and became a Retired Senior Volunteer (RSVP) with the San Diego Police Department. She was very proud to wear the uniform especially since her son was a police officer.

Betty was fortunate to find a second love when she met Robert “Bob” Wolford while on her RSVP lunchbreak at the neighborhood McDonalds restaurant. They traveled a lot and lived together for 17 years. Betty was immediately loved as part of the Wolford family.

Betty lived a long and wonderful life during which she loved many people, was loved by many people, made many friends, impacted many lives and will truly be missed.

She is now in a better place where she is reunited with those she loved.

Betty will be laid to rest on February 2, 2021, at 1 PM at El Camino Memorial Park located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, California. There will be a viewing at the same location at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to an Alzheimer’s Association of your choice.