Obituary of Elizabeth Massaro

MASSARO - Elizabeth "Betty" Josephine, 81, of Tulsa, formerly of Sapulpa, our mother and friend, passed away peacefully July 31, 2006 with her family at her side. Betty was born in Fleming, CO on October 6, 1924 to Henry and Barbara Cremers. She spent her early years in Ponca City and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1942. She became a supervisor for Conoco Oil Company. Not a common feat for a female in the 1950's. Betty met her future husband, Ed, on a blind date arranged by Ed's brother Virgil. They married January 19, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ponca City. Betty was committed to her family and faith. She demonstrated this through her constant love and devotion. Betty lived her life by example. She was a person who cared about others. For over 20 years she provided day care in her own home to many children in Sapulpa. These children were cared for and loved as if they were her own. Betty loved to cook and was renowned for her homemade spaghetti sauce, baked breads and pastries. She would bake dozens of fresh bread loaves for church dinners. Her children remember the cinnamon rolls warm from the oven when they arrived home after school. An advocate for the elderly in her community, Betty would make sure they were safe, had food in the pantry and commonly shared her family's meals with them. Visits to nursing homes frequently found her intervening on behalf of an elderly neighbor She was preceded in death by her husband Edward of 33 years, parents Henry and Barbara, brother August (Laddie). Betty is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law Gina and David Briggs, Elizabeth (Ibby) and Richard Myers, and Mary and Dr. Jeff Parker; sons and daughter-in-law Dr. Mark and Delia Massaro and Jon Massaro; grandchildren James, Philip and Samuel Myers, Aubrey, Claire, Nathan and Anna Massaro; step-granddaughter Erin Briggs; siblings Phyllis Moriarty and Ronnie Cremers of Ponca City, and Cordelia Lynn of Houston, TX and many nieces and nephews. The family sincerely thanks the staff of First Call and New Frontier Hospice. Especially Patti Ziemet, LaTeva Gist, Leandra Demery and Kris Hughes. A very special thank you goes to Irma Underdown and Thelma Knick who provided more than care. They provided love and friendship for Betty and her family. A Rosary will be held at Madalene Church - 3188 E. 22nd Street, Tulsa, OK 74114 - 7:00 PM on Thursday August 3. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 4th at Madalene Church. Please send memorials to Madalene Church or Baylor College of Medicine, Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorder Center at 6650 Fannin, Suite 1801 Houston, TX 77030. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Ninde Garden Chapel 918-742-5556.