Betty Jane Kotapish

Betty Jane Kotapish passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021. In her 97 years, she lived each day to the fullest. For everyone that knew and loved BJ, her journey was marked by her passion for learning. In turn, she passed on her wealth of knowledge to all of us, being such a gifted and exceptional teacher. She was a devoted mother, raising us four hellions – five if you include dad - and countless pets. She first revealed her proclivity for teaching as a Girl Scout leader and eventually taught middle school English and French. She tacked on a Master’s degree along the way, and was awarded the Jennings’ Master Teaching Award from the state of Ohio. No holiday for the family was left without a set of meticulous traditions. From monthly birthday cakes during our first year of life, to hand sewn family heirlooms, she organized everything with exquisite detail. Her quest continued following retirement, as she and her husband, Jim traveled the world extensively, frequently utilizing Elderhostels (now under the name Road Scholar) in their travels. She was competitive and loved playing golf and games, particularly bridge. Mom revealed more of her artistic abilities by taking up painting in her eighties. Regarding the arts, you would always hear classical music floating through the air at home. She was a benefactor and great fan of the Cleveland Playhouse and Orchestra. BJ is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ethel, and her husband, Jim. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Hawkins; daughter, Jamie Newell; son, James (Susan); son, Richard (Susan); her sister, Nancy (Robert) Kozub, and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. A memorial service in honor of Betty will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. A private family burial will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. If you would like to make a contribution, please consider donating to the Cleveland Play House https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/ or WKHR 91.5 FM https://www.wkhr.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060.

Betty Jane Kotapish

October 13, 1924 - November 7, 2021