Kumari Shreya
Among the various people associated with Synanon that were talked about in ‘Born in Synanon,’ Betty Dederich (or Bettye Dederich) was one of the most prominent figures, thanks to her marriage to the group’s Founder, Charles “Chuck” Dederich. The Paramount+ documentary series shows how she played a monumental role in the functioning of the organization and became a respected figure in the community. Given the impactful nature of her demise, the world can’t help but wonder just how it all came about.
Who is Betty Dederich?
Formerly Betty Coleman, Betty Dederich was Chuck Dederich’s third wife and played a monumental role in making the organization what it was during its peak. The African-American woman’s marriage to her husband, who was white, was looked down upon by many at the time. When the Synanon was established by Chuck in 1958 as an alternative to prevalent rehabilitation programs, Betty had actually joined the organization in 1959 in a bid to overcome her own additions. She had allegedly been a sex worker and a user prior to joining Synanon but stayed there after being heavily impressed by what the group seemingly had to offer. This allowed her to cross paths with Chuck, leading to an eventual marriage in 1963.
However, as time went by, Betty took up the role of the group’s leading lady, even earning the title of “The First Lady of Synanon.” When the organization transitioned from being dedicated to helping addicts to becoming a full-fledged community, Betty helped organize a lot of things that made it a reality. One of the most prominent examples of this is the fact that she helped conduct a massive communal marriage ceremony involving 75 couples in 1971.
Throughout her time as one of the leaders of Synanon, Betty acted as a support to her husband, Chuck. Additionally, she served as a mother figure to members of the organization, often leading people through gospels and imparting cultural knowledge. Given Synanon’s vehement refusal to entertain race-based discrimination, Betty’s marriage served as a shining example of an interracial relationship within the organization and highlighted her own merits in a seemingly neutral light.
What Happened to Betty Dederich?
Betty Dederich was diagnosed with lung cancer during the latter years of her life, and her health started to deteriorate. Knowing just how much her husband, Chuck Dederich, relied on her support, she apparently tried her level best to prepare him for the inevitable passing. Many members of the group had grown close to Betty and also dreaded the day that she would leave the world. According to several former members of the organization, this might have been the reason why Synanon seemingly became more strict in nature than before.
It was on April 19, 1977, that Betty Dederich passed away. Her death moved many, with Mayor Tom Bradley declaring that the day would henceforth be known as Betty Dederich Day in Los Angeles, California. While Chuck did seem to be mourning the loss of his third wife, he was also quick to announce that he was looking for a third wife. Whether or not Betty knew about this possibility beforehand is something to be speculated, but her death certainly marked the end of an era for Synanon.
Read More: How Did Chuck Dederich Die?
