Longtime Claremont resident Bette Feliciano House died at home on August 20, 2011, surrounded by her daughters. She was 85.  Family shared that she will be deeply missed for her calm, patient, loving and graceful spirit.

Born to Frank and Vernie Feliciano in Santa Maria on November 2, 1925, Ms. House grew up and attended school in San Luis Obispo.  For 60 years, she resided in Claremont with her family.

In addition to being a homemaker, Ms. House actively volunteered in several Claremont civic and education organizations while her 4 children were in school.  She was also employed by the Claremont COURIER from 1963 to 1984 in a variety of administrative positions. 

Former fellow COURIER employee Linda Ware recalled Ms. House’s graceful composure and patience amidst the bustle of newspaper business.

“It was high-energy, noisy atmosphere in which we worked, often madly, to hit printing deadlines. But, always there was Bette, our rock, unfailingly calm at the center of those weekly storms,” Ms. Ware remarked.

In retirement, Ms. House enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, reading and following her favorite sports teams, especially the LA Dodgers. 

Ms. House is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Laurian House of Phoenix, Arizona; her daughters, Nanci House and Vernie House, both of Claremont, and Becky House and her partner, Kreera House, of Holland; her grandchildren, London, Taylor and Hannah; her great-grandchildren, Henry and MacGregor; and her cousin, Jack Feliciano of San Luis Obispo. She was predeceased by her husband of more than 60 years, Henry House; and by her older brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Marion Feliciano.

Per Ms. House’s wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes will be committed to the Pacific Ocean. No services are planned.