Ms. Betsy Alfaro, age 59 of Park Ridge, Illinois passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 surrounded by her loving family in San Antonio, Texas. Betsy is survived by her parents, Jesus and Isabel Alfaro; brothers, Albert (Lucy), Michael (Teresa), Charlie (Elizabeth); nephew and nieces Anita and Eddie Alfaro, Myzsa Grandell, Julie, Isabel, Samantha and Jessye Alfaro; "adopted" children from the Ritzke and Harkins families, as well as a host of loving friends.

Growing up as "the rose among the thorns" with three brothers, Betsy enjoyed all the San Antonio favorites like Brackenridge Park and Fiesta parades, as well as animated conversations at the dinner table with her large extended family. She attended Incarnate Word High School and was awarded the highest honor in her graduating class, the "Silver Shamrock."  She graduated from UT (Hook 'em, Horns!) with a degree in actuarial science, and headed directly to Chicago to work in the insurance industry, forming many lifelong friendships with her colleagues at her very first job at Banker's Life.

Betsy will be remembered for her faithful devotion to her family, her generosity and thoughtfulness to her friends and colleagues, but most of all for her hilarious sense of humor which filled all conversations with good cheer. She had an amazing combination of professional drive, common sense, conscientiousness and compassion. Without exception, Betsy brightened every room and added merriment to every gathering. Great peals of laughter were often heard in intensive care units from Chicago to Houston to San Antonio.

She bore her illness with courage and confidence in God's plan for her. Betsy kept a daily devotional and a gratitude journal up until the very end.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Barb Ritzke, Betsy's caregiver and dearest friend, as well as to all those who offered prayers, visits, flowers and cards during her illness.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, May 29, at 5:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M at the Angelus Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, May 30, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery # 2.

Pallbearers will be:  Albert Alfaro, Michael Alfaro, Charlie Alfaro, Willie Benitez, Chuck Ritzke, Dan Harkins, Francisco Alfaro, Robert Buckley.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Barb Ritzke, Peggy Harkins, Teresa Barrios-Ogden, Stephanie Garcia, Tina Corser, Leslie Staudt, Gloria Vallejo, and Fela Alfaro.

The family requests that In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center https://www.mdanderson.org/ or Rush University https://www.rushu.rush.edu/