Obituary of Betty Lopuchowycz

August 9, 2019 at age 80. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph & Jennie Levy; brothers, Larry & Isadore "Is" Levy; nephews, Jolie & Michale Levy & niece, Nurit Dekel. Survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Mykola; daughters, Maria McNamara & Bonnie (Paul) Havill; grandchildren, Joshua (Kara) & Hannah McNamara; great-grandchildren, Stella, Kennedy & Harrison; sisters-in-law, Helen Lopuchowycz & Rachel Levy; many nieces, nephews & other family.

The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Ann's Community & Rochester General Hospital for their care of Betty

Graveside Services will be held on MONDAY, August 12, 2019 at 9:30 AM in Riverside Cemetery. Friends are asked to meet at the main gate. Click here for directions.

The family will receive friends MONDAY immediately following the service unitl 2 PM at 127 Barry Road in Irondequoit. Click here for directions.

Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice in her memory. 

Below is the beautiful eulogy Mia wrote and said at Betty's funeral:

“As the last week of Betty's life began to unfold, I learned a lot of lessons about LOVE.  I watched as family, friends and hospital staff who had become like friends and family gathered around her hospital bed talking of time spent together. 

Stories were told of her love and passion for all things New York Yankees, Fishing, Fiddler on the Roof, Days of our Lives and being a foodie before it was the "in" thing to be, casinos, Frank Sinatra and all the old crooners to name a few. 

Her nurses spoke of Betty's spicy personality and how they loved that they never had to guess what she wanted. 

As family gathered, there was talk of memories of the loved ones who had long passed away and those who had recently left our side.  It seemed the stories of everyday moments stood out the most. Births and Funerals, Birthdays, Anniversaries and holidays were highlighted.  Every person brought their own experiences like a candle adding to a growing fire that warmed every heart that gathered around her bed to share in the fading moments as they saw the mischievous twinkle was fading from her eyes.  

It was on the morning of her last day I was reminded of a quote attributed to Lord Byron, "You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her. Never underestimate the power of love. The way to love anything is to realize it may be lost." 

On that morning her husband Nick of almost 47 years was faithfully sitting by her side as he always had.  He and I talked of letting her know that he was going to miss her, but that he was going to be ok.  After a long moment of reflection, he held her hand and because her eyes were not opening he spoke a beautiful word picture filled with Love to release her to finish her journey here.  

While the gray skies held darkened clouds they began releasing heavy drops of rain outside the tinted window.

 Nick leaned over the railing that separated them, only in distance, and began to unfold a story….

" Betty the sun is shining today.  It’s a warm day, you are going to a picnic.  

[He spoke of her parents:] Do you see Papa Joe?  Jennie is there.  [Then her brothers:]  Do you see Abbey and Is? They are there waiting for you too.

[Her nephews:]  Jolie and Michael are there Betty.  They are all waiting for you.

  You go on ahead, you go and join them… and Betty, fix a plate for me, I will be there soon to join you ….

Storm Jameson wrote, "Only one person in a thousand knows the trick of really living in the present. Most of us spend fifty-nine minutes (of) an hour living in the past, with regret for lost joys or shame, for things badly done (both utterly useless and weakening) or in a future which we either long for or dread. . . . 

There is only one minute in which you are alive, this minute, here and now. The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle. 

Which is exactly what it is-

a miracle 

and unrepeatable." 

We who are left behind can get lost in our sorrow, or embrace that Betty has joined those who have gone before us, gathering together, witnessing us walk out our days until we meet again.  We can make every minute hold meaning and choose to receive Gods Love allowing Him to fill us, so that in turn we have something of value to impart.  we can make each minute count, living it for and with God.  

Baruch Hashem Adoni

Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

-By Maria (Mia) McNamara