Betty Bamonte

1939 - 2026

Northfield, MN - Betty Louise Bamonte, 86, of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away on February 1, 2026. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, she spent her early years in New York City and on a remote upstate farm - experiences that shaped her into both a city girl at heart and a lover of wide open spaces. She attended The School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and was a gifted flamenco dancer, even performing for Tony Bennett at age 17 - a memory she cherished her entire life. Betty raised her three children - Derek Bamonte, Brett Bamonte (deceased), and Tara Bamonte - in Palatine, IL, while working two full-time jobs. When the kids were grown, she earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. She eventually moved to Minnesota, where she became "Gran" to her four beloved grandchildren: Noah, Sylvia (Elijah), Moriah, and India Bamonte-Grebis, who were the center of her world. A fierce advocate for human rights, education, justice, and equality, she was also a regular political blogger for The New York Times and proudly engaged in thoughtful dialogue with leaders including Robert Reich. She was brilliant, principled, energetic, and endlessly curious. She loved deeply, danced beautifully, and always said: "Make sure you end up on the right side of history." An informal Celebration of Gran will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Bamonte-Grebis home, 2203 Grant Court, Northfield, Minnesota. Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield. www.northfieldfuneral.com