Mary Betancourt

Mary Betancourt was the kindest, most caring lady who tried each day to share her happiness with her loved ones. Underneath her fun loving spirit and cheerful outlook on life was a reservoir of strength which those around her came to depend on. A lovingly devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary's warm smile and laughter filled each day with sunshine.

In the 1920s, the United States strode with confidence into the new decade. The politics of the time were as turbulent as ever, yet industry had mad the economy surge. This was the same economic state of the U.S. 's southern neighbor, Mexico, who was getting back on their feet after the Mexican Revolution. It was during this time of peace in Mexico that Alberto and Rosa (Aguilar) Rodriguez welcomed the birth of their daughter, Hortencia on May 6, 1922. Her family affectionately nicknamed her "Tencha". When "Tencha" was just a young girl, her family moved to La Feria, a small city on the southern most tip of Texas, where she grew up with her brother Ralph, and two sisters, Herminia "Minnie"and Dora. Mary absolutely loved school and excelled in all subjects.

As a young woman, Mary loved to dance and sometimes even danced until all hours of the morning. She enjoyed sharing this passion with a man named Edward Betancourt, who eventually became her husband. The couple had three children together: John (Eddie), Ralph and Roseanne. In 1962, the family moved to Saugatuck, a town Mary truly loved. It was the place Mary came to call home, and the place where she created many wonderful memories with her family and friends. She went to work at the Lloyd J. Harris Pie Company in Saugatuck, and remained here until retiring in 1987. Unfortunately, in 1968, Mary and Edward separated and went their own ways.

Mary was always passionate about life, and found something positive in every day. She possessed all the traits of a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and she put her family first in all things. One of Mary's favorite times of the year was Thanksgiving because she loved to be surrounded by the love of her family, especially her precious grandchildren, whom she adored. For Mary, each of their births added yet another blessing to her life. Mary was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She had such a generous spirit and never thought twice about going out of her way to help someone in need.

Throughout her life, Mary had an immense passion for Saugatuck and always bragged about it being "her town." Mary could be seen walking around Saugatuck, visiting shop owner friends. Mary loved meeting new people and loved to share a story or joke to make everyone feel at ease. She often reminisced of her younger years when she worked in her mother's restaurant and went to dances that didn't end until morning. Mary remained very close with her mother and sisters, and returned to La Feria as often as she could to see them. In her more quiet moments at home, Mary took pride in her garden and enjoyed her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed doing some knitting, while watching her favorite two shows, CNN and Larry King. Mary loved her coffee, and when it came to getting a good cup of "joe", she knew where the best place in town was to get one, you could find her at The Sandbar having coffee with her friends every morning!

Mary was surrounded by the people that loved and cared for her in her final days and hours. Mary has lived a wonderful, full and special life. Mary will be lovingly remembered for her generous spirit, her strength of mind and her unconditional love for her family. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends.

Mary Betancourt, age 84 of Saugatuck, MI, died Saturday, January 13, 2007, at Haven Park Christian Nursing Home. She is survived by her children: John (Eddie) and Bobbi Betancourt of Holland, Ralph Betancourt and fiance`e Dee Dee Rusch of Holland, and Roseanne and Jon Weston of Westerville, OH; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; sisters: Herminia and Leonel Cavazos of Laferia, TX, and Dora and Tony Guevara of Laferia, TX; nephews, nieces and cousins. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, at the Saugatuck Chapel - Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake Street, with Father Ron Turcich O.S.A officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck. Visiting will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Commons, Haven Park Christian Nursing Home or Hospice of Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Mary or sign the online guestbook.