Family, Friends Remember San Bernardino Shooting Victim Bennetta Betbadal At Funeral
RANCHO CUCAMONGA (CBSLA.com) — San Bernardino shooting victim Bennetta Betbadal was remembered by friends and family at her funeral on Monday as a loving mother and aunt who fled persecution in Iran only to fall victim to the shooting rampage earlier this month at the Inland Regional Center.
Betbadal, 46, was a health inspector for the county of San Bernardino who lived in Rialto and held a degree in chemistry from Cal Poly Pomona.
She was a Christian who fled Iran when she was 18 due to a fear of extremist violence against Christians after the Iranian Revolution.
"She learned at an early age to be strong because of what she experienced during the revolution in Iran," family member Domarina Awdow said. "I know Benetta would've had the mind set of carrying on."
Many who attended the funeral remembered Betbadal lovingly.
"I'll never forget her generosity and hospitality," Awdow said. "My kids always loved going over to Aun Bennettas because a good time was to be had. Lots of food, lots of dancing."
"All we can do is try to remember Benny with a good heart," family friend Mark Russell said. That's what she had."
She was also described as a loving wife to a local police officer and the mother of three young children. Her daughter Jolen concluded the service by singing her mom's favorite Christmas song, "Silver Bells."
Bennetta Betbadal will be buried in a private ceremony in Glendale.