Local icon and longtime resident Betty Cavalleri passed away on March 24 in her home on Cavalleri Rd. with her longtime companion Ace and son Rick by her side along.
“Ralph ‘Ace’ Risedroph was Betty’s caretaker during her time of need and showed tremendous compassion and patience,” a loved one shared. “Betty’s family will be forever grateful. Ace is an amazing man.”
Betty, who was one of four children, was born on March 9, 1932 in Princeston, Idaho.
In 1955, Betty and her sister Vaughnda Whitten moved to California. They traveled via Greyhound bus with about a nickel to their name. They made prior arrangements to meet up with their aunt and uncle, who owned the original Coral Beach Café, located at Coral Beach in Malibu. This is where Betty and her sister learned to waitress.
Betty met Louie Cavalleri, a well-respected excavator in Malibu, at the café. They married in 1956 and had two sons, Rick and Steve.
The Cavalleri house was the place to go for good food, cocktails and a lot of dancing.
Louie had a tragic tractor accident in 1969 and lost his life. Their son Steve passed away from heart issues in 1995.
“Betty always stayed strong through all those tragic events,” a family member shared.
Betty met Ace in 1972 and they’ve been together since. They traveled in an RV for many years, visiting with family and friends.
Betty will be remembered for her extraordinary hospitality and caring way of taking care of people, which many of her son’s friends can testify to.
Betty is survived by her companion Ralph “Ace” Risedroph; son Rick Cavalleri; granddaughter Sierra Rose Cavalleri; daughter-in-law Theresa Cavalleri; sister Vaughnda Whitten; and brother Tuffy Depee.
A celebration of Betty’s life will take place on April 25 at Seminole Springs Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, located at 30473 Mulholland Hwy. from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to come by and share stories and memories about Betty. Light refreshments will be served.