Elizabeth "Betty" Cook

Elizabeth “Betty” Barry, Frazier, Cook passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2023 at Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara with family by her side, she was 82 years old. “A Force of Nature” Betty lived life to its fullest. Betty was born in South Dakota, February 23, 1941. The daughter of Bill and Mary Barry. The Barry family moved to California in the early 40’s. with Betty’s older sisters, Barbara and Pat, to find work. They settled down in Los Angeles. Eventually moving to Torrance, California. In Junior High and High School Betty was a ferocious reader and a true Tom Boy. She loved to play with the boys in pick up football games and her favorite sport, basketball. She taught many young boys how to throw a football and do layups. After graduating from High School in 1959, Betty enlisted in the United States Women’s Marines, and went to Parris Island, South Carolina for Boot Camp. After 13 weeks of grueling training, Betty was stationed in Hawaii as a teletype operator. She was proud of her work in the com center during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After Hawaii Betty was stationed at El Toro Air Station, California. While working in the com center, Betty met her husband, Tom Frazier. While at El Toro, Betty had her first child, Tom. Betty was Honorably discharged from the Women Marines in 1964. Betty settled down in Orange County and would move to Texas with her husband and son. Moving back to California, Betty would have her second child, Michelle, in 1969. After her divorce, Betty became a hardworking, single mom. Raising two young children, Betty would work full time and attend Junior College part time at night. In the early 1970’s, Betty and her two children moved to San Luis Obispo. Again, working full time, raising her children and attending Cal Poly SLO, Betty would earn her BA Degree in Business Administration, at the age of 38. After graduation Betty worked for SLO County Social Services as an Accounting supervisor for over 20 years. Betty was known for her hard work and sense of humor. After retirement, Betty was not one to, as she would say, “sit on my fluffy butt,” and would proceed to join many SLO organizations. Among them: the Catholic Young Ladies Institute, Women’s Marine Association, Marines Honor Guard, American Legion, The Eagles, Master Gardeners, the Red Hats, usher at Cal Poly football games and the Gourmet cooking club. Betty was not just a member of these organization, but a hardworking officer, holding many positions, from secretary to president. Betty also started her own business at home, Tax Preparer, she had many clients, many who became friends for life. Betty loved to cook. You would walk into her house and be welcomed by the smell of homemade bread and other amazing foods. Tragically in 2018, Betty’s son Tom passed away at the age of 51. Though heartbroken, Betty never lost her sense of humor or the constant drive to keep active. Betty loved her dog, Victor. They went everywhere together. At the age of 76, Betty and Victor set out across the US in her little Chevy compact, to attend the 50 th anniversary of the Women’s Marine Boot Camp Parris Island, South Carolina. Scared the heck out of her family for sure. Betty loved many things, but especially her huge family. From her children, grandson, sisters, and brothers. To her cousins, nieces, and nephews. Betty was preceded in life by her parents, Bill and Mary, sister Barbara, and son Tom. She is survived by her daughter Michelle, grandson Michael, sisters Pat and Joann, and brother Bill and Steve. Betty’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Cottage Hospital of Santa Barbara, who treated her so kindly in her final days. And to Reis Mortuary and Los Osos Cemetery for making the final tough decisions easier and respectful. A celebration of life for Betty will be organized in early 2024. SEMPER FI, Betty

Elizabeth "Betty" Cook

February 23, 1941 - December 29, 2023