Obituary of Betty Kopka

Betty Jane Mucha Kopka of Florence, South Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 30th, 2022, just two days after celebrating her 89th birthday. Betty’s infectious good mood and spectacular sense of humor made her a friend to everyone, and many people (including her family, her “Tomapalooza” family, and any young person she met) knew and loved their “Grammy.” Betty loved everything that brought people together. She was a gracious hostess whose home was the center of all holidays, cooking elaborate traditional Polish meals for her large family and inviting everyone to her table. She was a dedicated sports fan, supporting the Carolina Panthers, Clemson, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Charlotte Hornets (proudly sporting a “BUZZ EM'' license plate for many years). She worked for the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools, and loved being part of creating a positive environment for children. Betty’s strong Catholic faith was an essential part of her life, and she held an unwavering faith in God throughout her time on Earth.

Betty was blessed with a large and loving family that she considered to be her greatest achievement, and who take comfort knowing that she rests in eternal peace. She is survived by four children - Sherry (Mark) Hale, Rachelle (Tom) Norris, Scott (Kary) Kopka, and Eric (Lori) Kopka - eight grandchildren - Chris (Kim), Kira (Nick), Sarah (Jonathan), Zachary (Kloe), Katie (Steve), Jordan, Grace, and Claire - and three most precious great-grandchildren - Brayden, Aubrey, and Cameron. She is also survived by three sisters, Theresa McFee, Barbara Franklin and Christine Kulpa, as well as many loved and cherished nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and burial at Sharon Memorial Park on Saturday, May 7th. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.