Betty M Rizzo's Obituary
Betty Marion Rizzo, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted follower of Christ, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, in Hudson, Florida, at the age of 91. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 31, 1933, Betty lived a rich and faith-filled life—spending 46 years in Illinois and 45 years in Florida—marked by unwavering love, resilience, and generosity.
She is preceded in death by her cherished husband, Anthony Rizzo, and her sisters, Carmella and Caroline. She is survived by her sister, Marianne; her five children—Maryanne, Juliann, Annette, Jannette, and Thomas; her nine grandchildren—Jerry, Brandon, Anna, Rachall, Ian, Shannon, Malori, Juliette, and Dylan; and her thirteen great-grandchildren.
To her children, she was described as a loving, resilient, trusting, faithful, incredibly generous and encouraging mother. She was the kind of mother who poured herself out for her family—always welcoming, always steadfast, and always pointing others toward God. Her hospitality was unmatched, her presence warm and kind, and her faith unshakable. She was a prayer warrior who spoke God’s truth with gentleness and strength.
Betty began her working career in Illinois with Mary Kay Cosmetics, where her passion and dedication even led her to meet Mary Kay Ash in person at a convention in Dallas, Texas. After the family moved to Florida, Betty joined Sears at the Countryside Mall in Clearwater, where she worked faithfully for over 20 years before retiring.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Betty was the first in her family to come to know Christ—a true spiritual matriarch whose faith became a guiding light for her family, illuminating the way toward hope, salvation, and truth. Often described as the “Noah” of the family, Betty lived her faith boldly. She was very active in church and Bible studies, always ready to share her testimony and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She never missed an opportunity to invite someone to church, offer powerful and heartfelt prayers, or remind those around her to live with compassion and grace. She deeply loved Jesus and had a close relationship with Him.
Her home was a quiet refuge—always filled with warmth, love, great food and a sense of calm. She kept it spotless, a detail she took seriously—and it reflected the care and pride she poured into making it a place where everyone felt they belonged. Her exceptional Italian cooking brought the family together and became the heart of every gathering and holiday. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends, and she found great joy in bringing people together at her table.
Everywhere Betty went, people felt at ease with her—like they’d known her for years. Her quick wit and lighthearted comments often came in the form of perfectly timed one-liners that brought laughter when it was needed most. Her steady, sincere faith was genuine, and she had a way of noticing people—caring for them in quiet, meaningful ways, and reflecting Christ’s love through both her words and her presence.
Betty Marion Rizzo finished her race with peace above all, surrounded by the love of her family, who gently encouraged her to take Jesus’s hand and walk into her true home. With grace, she stepped into His presence—surely hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She was the glue that held her family together, a living example of what it means to love unconditionally and serve faithfully. She will be deeply missed by her family on earth and met with the greatest joy when, one by one, they are reunited in heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Betty’s honor on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Briar Creek Clubhouse Phase 2, located at 175 Clubview Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.
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