Isabel (Betty) Flati

Isabel (Betty) Flati of Westminster, CA, proceeded peacefully to heaven on May 17, 2025, with her loving family surrounding her in her final days.

Betty was born to Sabatino (Sam) and Giovanna (Jenny) Rubino in 1932. She grew up in Monaca, PA as one of 12 children who shared a two-bedroom house across the street from the train station, where the kids liked to play on the grass. Her father worked at the steel mill and her mother bore children in three decades.

Betty’s childhood in Monaca, PA placed her as the fourth   youngest of the 12 children. Betty was a natural athlete, who loved running and performing summersaults and cartwheels. As a teen, she won many medals and regional athletic competitions.  Noticed by her coach and others, she was invited to the 1952 Olympic Trials for gymnastics.

Betty was raised with faith, love and “chores”.  Growing up she cleaned the house, washed dishes, swept floors, cleaned windows, cared for her younger siblings and shared sleeping arrangements with two of her eight sisters - Eleanor and Dorothy.

After Betty graduated from Monaca High School, she worked in her hometown at Phoenix Glass Company for three years. In her early 20’s, her boss encouraged her to go work in a big city. Betty travelled by train for the first time, and went off to Washington, DC, where she began a great adventure living and working in the nation’s capital for three exciting years. It was Betty’s first time experiencing an elevator and a “high-rise” building of five stories.  Famously that elevator at the YWCA, “took away” this small-town girls’ luggage, only to return it to her as she learned the ways of the big city.  Working by day and party dancing at night at the many city events brought her many joys of independence and self-reliance.

While Betty was in Washington, DC, a suitor named Flati was in the military as a paratrooper. Ted Sr returned to Monaca after his military service, and he began to visit the Rubino home…asking about Betty.

Ted pursued Betty continuously and they were married in 1957.  Ted was the one and only love of her life.  Daughter Joanne was born first, then came the twins—Teddy and Terri, and later came Matthew and Richard. Ted and Betty shared more than 30 years of memories, including children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.

Betty has left a legacy for the Rubino and Flati Families.  She was a very proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren:

•             Cortnie Dube, Caylee Scott, Camden Rabat (Matthew)

•             Justin Flynn, Cody Mucino (Joanne)

•             Matt Flati, Zach Flati, Genevieve Flati, Annie Flati (Ted, Jr.)

•             Jayden Earlywine, Carly Osorio (Terri)

•             Adam Flati, Jake Flati, Kylie Flati (Richard)

AND 12 great-grandchildren so far, including--

•             Luca Flati, Beni Flati (dad Matthew Theodore Flati)

•             Taylor Flati, Maggie Flati, baby boy Flati coming in July (dad Zach Flati)

•             Connor Scott, Evan Scott (mom Caylee Flati Scott)

•             Zade Rabat, Layla Rabat (mom Camden Flati Rabat)

•             Hallie Mae Earlywine (dad Jayden Earlywine)

•             Audrey Osorio, baby boy coming in 2025 (mom Carly Earlywine)

Though Betty’s primary role was as a wife and mom, her life encompassed many facets:

•             She was a member of the St. Barbara’s Choir in Westminster for several years

•             She was a PE teacher, and girls athletic Coach for volleyball and basketball.

•             “Aunt Betty” to many neighbors’ children

•             Volunteer, caregiver, devoted sister and tireless worker

•             She worked at Jay’s Catering for 18 years, and was a face of the company on the phone and at the front desk

•             She was a devoted student of the Bible, and participated in countless Bible Study groups over the years

•             She was an enthusiastic student of exercise, she ran 10K’s in her 40’s, and for decades jogged miles around Mile Square Park with her friends and all those she could recruit.

During the last 30 years of her life, she was follower of Christ and participant with Calvary Church.   Betty was the embodiment of Matthew 25:23 ….  ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with all things; …. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ .

Burial will be celebrated on Thursday June 5, 2025, Good Shepherd Cemetery and a Celebration of Life and Love will be held on June 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Church – Santa Ana, CA

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made if desired to Calvary Church Costa Mesa:  3800 S. Fairview St. Santa Ana, CA 92704

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Brown Colonial Mortuary, Santa Ana, CA

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