BETTY MAYS:

Longtime Huntington Beach community and political activist Betty Mays died March 6 from complications following a stroke in December. She was 82.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Vern Mays; three sons; a daughter; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Betty and Vern were avid competitive fishermen, and were involved in several fishing organizations in the area.

Mays, who had lived in Huntington Beach since 1973, was known for her involvement as past president of the Huntington Harbour Republican Women, as well as in various local, state and federal political campaigns.

She was past president of the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Society Windjammers, helped raise funds for the building of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and was active in the Huntington Harbour Cancer League. She also spent more than 30 years as a real estate agent and investor.

Her son Tom Mays is a former Huntington Beach mayor and state assemblyman. The Independent asked Mays about his mother and her legacy.

What traits would you use to describe your mother?

My mom was very loving, compassionate, confident and strong-willed. She was the strength of the family and the glue that held us together. She was a very caring person who believed we needed to give back to the community. Once she decided to do something she gave it 100%. It always showed when she worked with community groups and when she helped build St. Paul of the Cross Church, La Mirada, in the late 1950s by raising money for its construction.

What got her started in politics?

My mom first entered politics in the mid 1960s when I was growing up in Manhattan Beach. She worked on Councilman Bob Beverly’s campaign for mayor, which he won. Bob eventually went on to the State Assembly and State Senate. I was a good friend of Bob’s son Brian at the time. We went to the same elementary school and hung out together. It was really [coincidental] that when my mom helped me on my campaign to win the State Assembly seat, I would end up serving in the legislature with Sen. Bob Beverly. When we moved to Huntington Beach in 1973, my mom joined the Huntington Harbor Republican Women and eventually became their president.

What qualities did she instill in you, either when you were growing up or after you were an adult?

She always told me that we would ultimately be judged not for what we have acquired but by what we have done with our life. Her loving and compassionate qualities and her hard work in the community had a real impact on me. She taught me how to listen and see both sides of an issue. After I was elected to public office she kept reminding me that I was there to represent the people who put me there and to have compassion for those who needed help.

What are some of your favorite memories of her?

My favorite memories were at Christmas time. My mom was involved with the Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Cruise of Lights that raised money for the Philharmonic Children’s Program. So our family always decorated their house in Huntington Harbor.

We decorated this year and celebrated with my mom right before her stroke.

What do you think her legacy will be?

I believe her legacy will be that she worked hard to raise a family of four and that she followed God’s plan for her life. She gave back to the community and had a positive impact on many lives throughout her life.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. March 26 at Saint Bonaventure Church, 16400 Springdale St.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Anglers of Huntington Harbour Kids Fishing Trip for disadvantaged children.

Mail checks to 16835 Algonquin St., Suite 304, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Donations are tax deductible.

CANDICE BAKER may be reached at (714) 966-4631 or at [email protected].