2019/11/obit-betty-ocana007-202x300.jpgBetty M. O’Cana, 93, died of natural causes on Oct. 12 in Louisville, Ky. She was born in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on April 30, 1926, the daughter of Marcelino and Circlia (Martinez) O’Cana.
Betty graduated from Pagosa Springs High School, the class of 1944. After graduation, she remained in Pagosa Springs and worked at Jackisch Drug and Staner’s Market until she moved to Dayton, Ohio, as a caregiver to Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin Turner. After their death, she moved to Louisville, Ky., where she became a caregiver to Sister Jovita and other nuns while living in Louisville.
Betty was a devout Catholic and this was obvious by her compassion to take care of her parents and to also assist others who needed her help. Her desire was for her to return to Pagosa Springs and for her remains to be buried near her parents.
Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, Marcelino and Circlia; her brothers, Julian, Connell, Sylvian, Frank, Joe and John; and her sisters, Juanita O’Cana, Aurora Archuleta, Virginia La Varta, Ruth Lovato and Margurite Collins.
Betty was known as Aunt or Tia Betty to her many nephews and nieces.
Betty was feisty, liked roses, loved to jitter-bug, and fried green tomatoes, but will always be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to her religion, her copper 1958 Chevy BelAire, her laughter and as a great daughter, sister and aunt.
A memorial mass will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.
