Elizabeth R. "Betty" Sanazaro

Elizabeth R. "Betty" Sanazaro was born on Wednesday, February 15, 1928 in Sedalia, Missouri to the union of John L. and Laura R. (Powell) Riley. She left from this life, with her family by her side on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at her home at the age of 93 years.

Betty was united in marriage to Andrew J Sanazaro Sr. in St Louis, Mo and to this union five children were born, Christy, Andy Jr, Nick, Carolyn and Dan.

Betty was given the gift of life and gave it back to so many throughout her lifetime. Her main role in life was wife and Mother. If you knew Betty you knew her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Being a Mother and Grandmother was what she lived for. However in 1976 at the age of 48 years old, she decided to become and Licensed Practical Nurse. Betty's nature was to be a caregiver and to foster love in everyone she met. As a nurse she worked for Sullivan Hospital and then Briarwood Care Center. She loved babies and the elderly, so her position at Briarwood was much more than a job, but rather a calling. When Andy Sr. started Meramec Electrical Products, she helped in any way she could in the early years, but her most important and beloved role was taking care of her home and family. After all of her children were raised and out of the home with the exception of her youngest Danny, she decided to become a Foster Parent. She opened her heart and home to over 25 children during that time. Some were there for only a night and others may have lived with her for months or even years. She still has relationships with several of those children. In her true spirit of giving Betty, in her mid-Sixty's, decided she wanted to share her talent for cooking, decorating and conversation with the people of Cuba and the surrounding area so she started "Betty's Kitchen", a small luncheon tea house style café where people could enjoy her English tea room style in doors or her café style outdoors. People from all around the area still talk about her Spinach Salads. She loved decorating her home inside and out. Her love for flower gardening was evidenced by her beautiful yard. She would turn any yard into a mini garden paradise. She loved all the little things that added beauty around her home. Betty was also quite the fashionista as her grandchildren called her. Her style and grace were her trademarks as well as her warm smile. Betty was also a woman of devout faith. She has had a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and always tried to do her best in life to serve him. She worked for years with Holy Cross Church along with Holy Cross School in its early years. She served on the PTA and always heeded any call when help was needed. She had a special affection for Holy Cross School. No Christmas was complete for her until she was able to see the Children of Holy Cross' Christmas program. Her love for God and Jesus sustained her through any and every trial including her passing from this life. She most assuredly has a place in his presence.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; husband Andrew J. "Andy" Sanazaro, Sr. one daughter-in-law Kathy Sanazaro; six sisters and one brother Margaret Zuroweste, Edith Simon, Alice Potts, David Hales, Leona Riley, Mary Lee Riley, and Theresa Harmon.

Those who are left to treasure her memory and to continue her legacy are her five children Christy Moreland, Andy Sanazaro, Jr., Nick Sanazaro, Carolyn (Chuck Mahaney) Sanazaro, Dan (Carolyn Sue) Sanazaro; seventeen grandchildren of Jennie Whittaker, John (Alexis) Moreland, Joe (Jennifer) Moreland, Jessie Sanazaro, Andy (Amy) Sanazaro III, Amy (Jarrod) Bright, Erica (Kevin) Wilkerson, Leslie (Jeremy Segal-Moss) Sanazaro, Shannon Sanazaro, Courtney Sanazaro, Ande (Caitlyn Rhodes) Macier, Caroline Morales, Chris (Brian DesRosiers) Macier, Charlynn (Michael) Portell, Linnea (Marcus Dedrick) Sanazaro, Lane (Jessie Ettinger) Sanazaro, Lacey Sanazaro; foster children Tammy (Darren) Dake, Laura (Jeff) Murray, Frank Plank and several others; twenty-three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home 904 W. Washington St. Cuba, Missouri.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 17, 2021 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Dan Lueckennotte as the celebrant.

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to Holy Cross School 415 W. School Ave. Cuba, Missouri 65453.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the Sanazaro family.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: Sunday, May 16th, 2021 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Mizell Funeral Home
Address: 904 W. Washington St. CUBA, MO 65453

Service

When: Monday, May 17th, 2021 11:00am
Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church
Address: 415 W School CUBA, MO

Interment

Location: Holy Cross Cemetery
Address: Hwy 19 S CUBA, MO