Lemoore educator Gina Catherine (Bettencourt) Wiens passes

She is survived by her son, Jake Wiens, her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Becky Bettencourt, and her sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Duke King, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Above all, Gina loved being a mother to Jake. Jake exhibited her wit, humor, creativity and independence. She never smothered Jake, allowing him to become his own person. She ""almost"" never complained about washing his work clothes.

 Her love of family and friends was endless. She connected with each and every person in an individual way. She had the ability to make one feel special and that their thoughts and views mattered, no matter how young they were. She made each member of her family and friends feel unique.

Gina never lost contact with her many friends, classmates and students. She also never met a stranger who didn't leave as a friend. Gina attended school at MIQ, Lemoore High, College of the Sequoias and Cal Poly. After college she worked as a counselor in Santa Cruz, SCICON, enjoying nature, learning, and teaching about different plants and animals. In 1981 she began her career as a teacher at Stratford Elementary. She embraced the students and families of Stratford, including their traditions and culture. She cherished attending school and family functions. She had enormous school pride and fought to keep traditions alive. She was proud of the legacy her father, Thomas Bettencourt, had with Central Union School District.

She never stopped wanting to learn and setting new goals for herself. She had a wide range of interests, from assisting her friend in home births to traveling, teaching and pouring wine at Farmer's Fury. Her love of Willie Nelson and Aerosmith were legendary. She loved honking her horn at squirrels. All knew her fear of birds.

There are not enough words to describe this fine lady. Gina was an extraordinary person in the pallet of our lives. She was never driven by her ego, instead was driven by her heart. We'll miss her funny stories, her screams of excitement, her very essence.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lemoore. Arrangements were by Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Central Union School District c/o Gina Wiens and mailed to Central Union Superintendent's office, 15783 - 18th Avenue, Lemoore, CA. 93245.