Obituary of Betty Lou Barnachia

Betty Lou Barnachia passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 29, 2023, surrounded by her family.  She was 91 3/4 years old.  

She was born Betty Lou Manlove on November 18, 1931, in Independence, Missouri.  At the age of 13 she traveled by train to Salinas, CA with her adopted family, the Simons', to join extended family.  

At age 18 she married and gained a stepdaughter, Diana.  Within the next ten years the rest of her seven children would be born.  She was the best mom.  Her Girl Scout Troop was so much fun.  Being younger, I always watched in awe and swore when I grew up I’d be just like her.  Besides being a troop leader she was also Neighborhood chairman.  

After fifteen years of marriage, she found herself a single parent.  Single handedly she raised eight children, not to mention the neighborhood kids.  Without a high school diploma or any child support, our mom worked multiple jobs.  We were so proud when she took night classes and earned her diploma in 1971.

Betty Lou began her career at Natividad Medical Center September 18, 1967 as a nurse’s aide.  Six months later she transferred to the Telecommunications Department where she pursued a twenty-nine-year career as a "conscientious telephone operator."  A valuable front-line employee whose soothing beautiful voice and gracious manner was the first voice the public heard. She also served as a union steward and secretary to the SEIU union as well as a member of the Natividad Safety Committee.  Betty retired from Natividad Medical Center December 30, 1996.  Betty's retirement was filled with her pride and joy, her grandchildren.  She loved going on field trips, watching their sports games, dance and music recitals.  Graduations were always very special.

Betty leaves behind her heartbroken children: Monica Johnson, Renee Evans (Tim Hart), David Brundage (Joni), Angel Dratz (Michael), Sam Barnachia, Robbie Albarran (Larry), and her honorary daughters Helen Dean and Debbie Cartmill.  20 Grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren also survive her.  She was preceded in death by her daughters: Diana Williams, Denise Brundage, and Jan Carrigan.  Our mom was a wonderful woman.  We will miss her dearly.

We would like to thank Pacific Coast Post Acute Center, Dr. Mark Adame, Dr. Yuji Saito, and Dr. Megan May for their care of our mom over the years.  We would also like to thank PT-OT crew and Mercy Rosario and her activities team for making our mom feel so welcomed and loved.  You always made her feel her hard work paid off and that she was very special.