Betty Barbara Cazel Gobrecht

Betty Barbara Cazel Gobrecht passed away on January 29, 2025 at the age of 100 ½ in Pasadena, California. She was born on July 8, 1924 to Coral Wesley Cazel and Clara Poff Cazel in Santa Monica, California. Betty and her family, including older siblings Neva, Virgil and Martha, moved to Pasadena when she was three years old. Betty attended Lincoln Elementary, Washington Junior High ( she was a song girl) and Pasadena High School-PJC. Betty loved the outdoors and was an avid reader. She had fond memories of walking and roller skating to the historic Pasadena Public Library. She found her love of reading at an early age. Betty met her future husband, Bob at the Methodist Church youth group in Pasadena. The couple discovered they shared the same birthday with Bob being one year older. Their romance grew and later became engaged and married in Carlsbad, New Mexico on April 15, 1944. Bob served his country in the Air Force during WWII and Korean War. Before starting a family, Betty worked as a secretary to the President of Caltech and later, due to Bob’s career transfers with Sears and Roebuck, worked at Fresno State College. Her focus changed when her three children Janet, Bob and Carol were born.

In 1960, Betty and Bob returned to their roots in Pasadena where both sets of parents lived. They were entrepreneurs and opened their own toy business called Macabob Toys on Colorado Boulevard. Betty became a toy buyer, created and organized children’s birthday parties at the store and was an integral partner in their successful business.Together they provided employment opportunities for hundreds of young adults and trusted in their abilities. 

Betty’s first priority was her family but she was also a Deacon and member of Trinity Presbyterian Church since 1960. She volunteered as PTA president, Scout leader and active member of the Garden Club in her community. After 26 years of a thriving and beloved Macabob Toys, Betty and Bob retired in 1987. Side by side, working in the family business, their new passion was travelling the world and countless motorhome adventures. They were life-long motorhomers and travelled extensively in their 36’ RV across the United States, including 13 road trips through Alaska’s interior. 

Many memories were made in their numerous motorhome trips to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. Another travel highlight was taking their seven grandchildren on various trips to Alaska. Each grandchild carries precious memories of those cherished adventures.

Betty and Bob’s love of travel started as newlyweds and became campers for life enjoying the outdoors. They were members of the FMCA ( Family Motor Coach Association) and started a musical group, Frustrated Maestros, that played for conventions across the United States.

Betty was married to the love of her life for 62 wonderful and exciting years. Bob ( Robert William Gobrecht) passed away in 2006. Her devoted family will greatly miss her loving, joyful and fun spirit. Betty was an amazing, generous and loving mother to Janet Gobrecht Orswell (Jack), Bob Gobrecht-deceased (Chris), Carol Gobrecht Andreen (Phil-deceased). Betty cherished and adored her seven grandchildren Jeff, James, Julie, Eric, Scott, Madeline and Kelly. She was also very special and treasured by her many great-grandchildren. Betty's wonderful legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy and blessings! She will be in all of our hearts forever!!!!

Betty was dearly loved and admired by all who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her strong love of family, faith, love of music and singing, optimistic and positive attitude and warm, friendly personality. Betty was a GEM!!!! She was a true inspiration and shining role model to her family. Betty touched the lives of all who knew and loved her with her happy and uplifting love of life! A very special thank you to her loving caregivers, staff, Vitas Hospice and Monte Vista Grove Homes in Pasadena.

WE LOVE YOU, WE WILL MISS YOU AND “YOU ARE OUR SUNSHINE” FOREVER! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!