Obituary of Betty Lou Lopatofsky

Betty Lou Lopatofsky, of Eynon, PA, and formerly of Clifford Township, PA, went home to the loving arms of her Savior on February 21, 2022 surrounded by her family at the Forest City Nursing Home.

Betty Lou was born November 22, 1936, a daughter of the late Raymond “Ted” and Frances (Owens) Arnold in Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania. She was united in holy matrimony to her lifelong partner William B. Lopatofsky on July 28, 1956. William and Betty Lou celebrated 55 years together before William left this world on February 24, 2012.

Betty was blessed with a remarkable 85 years of life, filled with precious memories, trials, joy, challenges, and laughter alike. Her roles as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor, and friend earned her many nicknames that she sported with a smile. Among them were:  Mom, Ma Kettle, Aunt Betty, Grandma, Gram, GG, Grandma Betty, Grandma Loppy, and her most recent “Betty Go-Go.” She was a radiant presence; whose outgoing and generous spirit blessed those who knew her.

Betty Lou was a selfless and tireless wife and mother and she supported her husband Bill during every endeavor. They together started and established an equipment business under the name of William B Lopatofsky which they ran successfully for decades. In 1964, they purchased and operated a dairy farm which became the homestead they would build the foundation of their family on. It was there that Betty’s inventive and creative gift of interior design flourished over the years as she was able to renovate their home and in later years design two more houses from the ground-up.

In those homes, Betty was able to advance and share her many talents. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing and expertly made beautiful clothing for her entire family; a skill passed onto her daughter and granddaughters. Her maintenance of a clean and tidy home was a point of pride to Betty and as all can attest, her slogan was “Wipe it down.” Baking was another skill that was passed down to the next generation.

Betty Lou was a devoted Catholic and was a lifetime member of Saint Pius X. It was there that she contributed her time and efforts to Altar and Rosary. She also had influences in the church in the form of picnics, bake sales, and rummage sales. In her later years of life, after moving to Eynon, Betty found fulfillment and fellowship volunteering at Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Betty’s greatest joy was first and foremost her family. She always considered her most important accomplishment to be her marriage to Bill and the legacy they formed on earth in the form of their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. Even in her last days on earth she excitedly talked about her 20^th greatgrandchild expected in August and the upcoming weddings of two of her grandchildren.

She is survived by one daughter: Judy Tompkins & husband Ken of Laurens, NY and their children, Clair & wife, Kayla, Paulina, Hollis & wife, Marci, Emma J and fiancé, Gregory, and Sandy; three sons: William Lopatofsky & wife, Claudia of Clifford Township, PA, and their children, Michael & wife, Jessica, Erica Kryst & husband, John, Lisa Schaffer & husband, David and William B. Lopatofsky & wife, Tara; Timothy Lopatofsky & wife, Vicki of Overland Park, KS and their children, Lucas, Mark, Abby, Ryan and wife, Courtney, and Emily; Dr. David Lopatofsky & wife, Ann Marie of Williamsport, PA, and their children, Benjamin, Tyler, Jonathan and fiancée, Terryanne, & Olivia; 19 great grandchildren.

Other survivors that are just like a daughter and son: Sally & Joe Kasztejna of Schnecksville, PA and their children, Maria Lockwood & husband, Tim and Joseph Kasztejna & wife, Cheryl; a close family friend: Jimmy Bolcavage of Jermyn; two brothers: Kenneth Arnold & wife, Phyllis and Raymond Arnold & wife, Paula, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter: Linda Lou; a brother: Herbert Arnold; and a sister: Jeanne Wells.

The funeral was held Friday, February 25, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 3615 State Route 106, Royal, PA, concelebrated by Reverend Michael J. Kirwin, pastor, and Rev. Phillip Sladicka, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca, PA.  Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Pallbearers: Hollis & Clair Tompkins, William, Michael, Benjamin, Tyler, Jonathan, Mark & Luke Lopatofsky and Joseph Kasztejna.

Friends called Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate nurses and supportive staff at the Forest City Nursing Home. Special thanks also to Rev. Michael J. Kerwin and Dr. David Tomazic.