Betty M. "Mama" Haynes

Betty M. “Mama” Haynes (nee Kucharski), age 100, entered into her Heavenly Home peacefully while her loving daughter, Ellie, held her hand. Betty was born July 16, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio to Adam and Frances (Matyjasik) Kucharski. She shared an amazing love story with her childhood sweetheart, Alex, for over 65 years and they had two daughters, Ellie (Hersh, deceased) Radaker and Marilyn (Les) Sandler. Together, they became grandparents of Philip (Christy) Radaker, Kerri Radaker Schafer, Ryan (Abby) Emerson and Amanda Emerson. They were blessed with great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Brock Schafer, James and Nathan Radaker and Maya and Corinne Emerson. Betty's greatest joy in life was the time shared with family. Betty loved adventures with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that included day trips, movies, shopping and lunches that ended with hot fudge sundaes at Dairy Queen. Betty was an excellent cook who embraced her Polish heritage and could make incredible cabbage rolls, pierogi, potato pancakes and chicken with dumplings just to name a few. She was an incredible storyteller and would love to tell stories of her childhood and the experiences she had in life. She was never too busy to listen to anyone who needed to talk and always knew the right words to say to someone. No celebration was too small for Betty and she treasured her 100th birthday party with family and friends. As she always reminded us, all people die but not all people live. She lived every day to the fullest up until her failing health prevented it. She is survived by her siblings, Norman (Maryann, deceased) Kucharski, Diane (William) Brennan, and Thomas (Charlene) Kucharski. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard (Ann) Cook, Robert (Dorothy) Kucharski, and sister, Geraldine (Edward) Gusler Janowicz. Betty's life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Private family services were held. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Hospice of the Western Reserve for the care and compassion that they showed to Betty over the last months of her life. In her memory contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland 44192; or donate online at www.hospicewr.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Mentor, OH. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Betty M. "Mama" Haynes

July 16, 1923 - March 9, 2024