Katherine “Kathy” Redfern
June 24, 1944 – June 6, 2022
Katherine Ann Redfern passed away at the age of 77, from complications of a long illness on June 6, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Katherine Ann Bettincourt was born on June 24, 1944, in Turlock, California, to Felix Bettincourt and Mary (Vaga) Bettincourt. She was the youngest of three children, which also included brothers Richard Bettincourt and Norman Bettincourt. As a child, Kathy, her brother Norman and cousins would work on their aunt’s farms picking watermelons and other fruit, hoeing the fields and doing other miscellaneous jobs. This instilled a hard work ethic in Kathy which she continued her entire life.
Kathy loved animals of all types and always had a beloved dog by her side. Her most beloved was Mitzi, who passed away just eight months prior.
Kathy attended schools in both Turlock and Hughson. She graduated from Turlock High School in 1962. Her mother passed away when Kathy was sixteen, which was very difficult for her. After high school, Kathy worked various jobs and wanted to be a cosmetologist; however, in 1965, Kathy married Chuck Redfern and the couple had two children, Paula Redfern and Deanna “DeDe” Redfern, which they raised in Ceres. Kathy and Chuck were divorced in 1984. In 1985, Kathy met Bill Alberti, a native of Patterson. Although they never married, Kathy and Bill were together until his death in 2003.
Kathy worked for Banquet Foods in Turlock for many years until the plant closed. There she developed many friendships and kept in touch with some until her death. Kathy found work at the new Walmart in Ceres in 1993, as a receiving clerk. She loved working at Walmart, but mostly with the employees whom she called friends.
Even though she was in excruciating pain, Kathy continued to work until she was physically unable to work any longer so she finally retired! Kathy’s daughter DeDe was born with a disability and lived with her until the end. She and DeDe were very close and enjoyed going on vacations or day trips to the zoo or a casino with Kathy’s other daughter Paula, and at times her grandsons and great-granddaughter. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She would always “light up” when she spoke about them.
Kathy is survived by her daughters, Paula Redfern of Ceres and DeDe Redfern of Turlock; two grandsons, Christopher Torres and Adam Torres of Modesto; her former granddaughters-in-law, Rosie Torres and Felisha Torres. She had three great-grandchildren, Isabella Torres and Mia Torres (Christopher) of Turlock and Adam Torres II, of Modesto; a niece, Ronda Juarez of Hilmar; a nephew, Jason Bettincourt; and four grandnephews and a grandniece.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Felix and Mary Bettincourt, and stepmother Lucille Bettincourt, brothers Richard Bettincourt and Norman Bettincourt, her partner Bill Alberti, sister-in-law Eloise Bettincourt (Norman), her former mother-in-law Paula Jones, all of her aunts and uncles and several cousins, friends and her beloved dog Mitzi.
A visitation is being held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, in the Main Chapel.
A funeral service is being held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Turlock Funeral Home, in the Main Chapel. Following the service, Katherine will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Kathy requested flowers only be sent by family and requested plants or a donation to Community Outreach of Turlock (support organization for persons with special needs) be given. Community Outreach, 1731 Colorado Ave. Turlock, CA 95382 (209) 669-6503
–Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
