Mirian Bethancourt went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at the age of 90.  She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 5, 1927 to Marion and Dorothy Tortorich, and was the beloved wife to Joseph Bernard Bethancourt. She lived the majority of her life in the colorful state of Louisiana with bayous, steamboats, and great food. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, and St. Mary’s Dominican College with a Bachelor’s degree and worked as a social worker for 20 years. She helped the elderly and worked for Catholic Charities, assisting children with cerebral palsy.

She had many talents with her interests in art and writing. She owned two art schools and taught art to children and adults. She loved to paint portraits, magnolias, and plantation homes, and was commissioned to design the Mardi Gras King’s Court for the Krewe of Iris. She also owned a modeling school and put on many fashion shows within the city.

She developed her love for writing when she moved to California and wrote short stories for many magazines and local newspapers. She belonged to the Conejo Valley Writer’s Group, and published her first book in 2016, Can’t You See Them?, an inspirational book of true stories about love, life, and near-death experiences.

She is survived by her children Clark Bethancourt, Cynthia Doll, Karen Michaels, and Charles Bethancourt, preceded in death by son Gary Bethancourt; bothers David Tortorich, Ralph Tortorich, and Glen Tortorich, preceded in death by sister Jacqueline Smith and brother Craig Tortorich; grandchildren Paul Bethancourt, Heather Bethancourt, Melissa Doll, Michael Doll, Damon Michaels, Justin Michaels, Weston Bethancourt, Charlie Bethancourt, and Rebekah Bethancourt; great-grandchildren Kasey Bethancourt, Connor Bethancourt, Jordan Scardino, Peyton Scardino, Anthony Scardino, Ethan Wesel, and Austin Wesel.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012

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