Betty (Bep) DeGroot, born on January 4, 1934, in Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands, peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 2, 2024, just two days shy of her 90th birthday. She was the third of seven children born to Wilhelmus and Geertruida Brama and the beloved wife of Gerardus (Jerry) DeGroot. She was a devoted mother to her surviving children, Jeanette (Greg) Gerlomes and Marian (Shawn) Graham, her grandchildren Jennifer (Matt) Medel, Scott Gerlomes and Mathew Gerlomes, and her great-grandchildren Madeleine and Nolan Medel. Bep's journey in life took her from her hometown in Holland to the United States. She was united in marriage with Jerry on August 9, 1955, immigrated to California, and together, they spent the next 65 years creating a life built on the foundation of faith, family, and unwavering commitment.
Bep was a woman with a generous heart that touched the lives of those around her. Never one to seek the limelight, she was happiest quietly creating a home and celebrating her family's achievements. She whole heartily supported everyone’s educational pursuits, passions and interests, notably supporting Jerry in his numerous philanthropic initiatives. She took great pride in everyone's endeavors, and their successes brought her immense joy.
Throughout her life, Bep possessed an inner strength and resilience, which undoubtedly emanated from her deep faith. She was a devout Catholic, and prayer was her constant companion. Her strength and resilience, as well as her devotion to Jerry, was most evident when Jerry faced the challenges of Alzheimer's starting in 2007. Without hesitation, Bep selflessly devoted her days and nights to caring for him until his passing on September 19, 2020.
Up until her brief illness, Bep embraced life with zeal. Besides caring for her family, she enjoyed working in the garden, knitting for the local hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, playing a round of Rummikub, sewing, and most recently delighting in the company of her great-grandchildren. A passionate traveler, Bep would welcome any opportunity to see the world, journeying across the globe from the United States to places like Singapore, China, the Caribbeans, Mexico, Canada. Panama, and throughout Europe.
Bep is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry, her daughter Margaret, her parents Wilhelmus and Geertruida Brama, her brother Piet Brama, and sister Willy Brama. She is also survived by her siblings, Riet Jansen, Trudy DeGroot, Bets Verdegaal, and Koos Brama.
As we bid farewell to Bep, let us remember the warmth and light she brought into our lives and the valuable lessons of humility she shared. May her soul find eternal rest, and may the memories of her gentle spirit and unwavering inner strength continue to inspire us all.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities in her honor. Those charities are: Hanot Foundation, Inc (Homes for the Disabled): Please make payable to ”Hanot Foundation - Memorial Fund” and mail to: P.O. Box 950, Lockeford, CA 95237 or call 209.334.6454
SEEDS - Growing Faith through Student Scholarships: Please make payable to ”SEEDS” and mail to: Office of Development & Stewardship, 212 North San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA 95202-2409 or call 209-466-063
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20th, at St. Patrick’s Church, 19399 CA-120, Ripon, CA 95366. The rosary will commence at 9:45 a.m.; Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. An online tribute is available for direct condolences to the family at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, January 13, 2024
