Betty Jean Gleason Sparby

Betty Jean Gleason Sparby

March 31, 1929 – August 15, 2019

Betty Jean Gleason Sparby, a wonderful and deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on August 15, 2019 in Napa, California. 

Betty was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 31, 1929.  Her family left the islands for San Diego soon after World War ll broke out.  She had so many stories that she shared about the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  She was an accordion player for the USO and supported our troops during this time.  After graduating from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego the family relocated to San Francisco.  There she took a job as a teller at American Trust Company (now Wells Fargo) and met her future husband, Norman, who was the head teller.  They eloped on August 1, 1948 and had just celebrated 71 years of marriage.  Norman’s job took them to Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, American Samoa and Napa.

When her children were young, Betty worked for the Santa Clara School District as a secretary (before computers); her penmanship was perfect, and she could type a mile a minute!  She then went back to banking working for First Interstate Bank in Napa for 25 years retiring as assistant vice president. 

Betty took joy in spoiling all her children and grandchildren.  She would take her grandchildren on many shopping excursions always slipping some pocket money in their hands.  She made sure her refrigerator was stocked with all their favorite foods……and wine.

She loved taking trips with Norman to Reno to fill the slot machines along with cruises to Norway and Alaska.  There were travels to Hawaii, London and visits to relatives in Seattle, Minnesota and South Dakota.  They also hit the road in their RV exploring the USA.

Betty is survived by her husband Norman, daughters, Sandy Clarke (Steve Ourso), Jeanie Brown (Mark Jaffee) and Debbie Murray (Roger), grandchildren Benjamin Jaffee (Valerie), Amanda Heath (Keith Cullison) Mitchell Clarke (Carolyn) Deserae Murray (Roger’s daughter) and great grandson Alexander Jaffee.   Her memories will be in all their hearts forever. 

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Brookdale Senior Living, Napa and the staff at Hospice for the loving care they gave to our mother.

Services will be held at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, CA

Visitation  11:00 – 1:00

Chapel Service  1:00

Graveside Service to follow

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