Betty K. Kopf died on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in New Providence, N.J.
She was born September 21, 1933 in Conewago Heights, Pa., the eldest daughter of Edwin and Veronica (Strock) Kraber. She was proud of her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
She was a graduate of York Catholic High School and Bucknell University, where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma.
After college she moved to New York City, where she worked at the Museum of Natural History and met her husband, Fred Kopf. They married in 1958 and moved to Westfield, N.J., where they raised their three children.
Betty worked for the Westfield Recreation Department and Central Irrigation, Inc. in Cranford. She was a member of the Westfield Board of Education, the Westfield Recreation Commission and the Westfield Service League, which led her to become a dispatcher for the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. She was most proud of becoming an EMT and member of the rescue squad, and eventually was elected as Captain. Betty then became a CPR instructor and trainer as well as an EMT instructor. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and a Union County Master Gardener, belonging to several garden clubs.
Betty and Fred became snowbirds and spent winters in Hutchinson Island, Florida. She generously volunteered her time to the Martin County Library, the Elliott Museum and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Betty was predeceased by her infant brother, Edwin; her parents; her sister, Veronica Kraber; her sister and brother-in- law, Joan and John Tiedemann, and her nephew, Patchel Landis. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Fred; her children, Alexander (Sally), Gretchen (John Mason) and Christopher (Marybeth Johnson); grandchildren, Hannah (Nate), Ezra, Nicole, Christine, Carston, Will and Erik; great-grandchildren, Bennett and Baker; sister, Edwina Leise; cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
The family wishes to thank Center for Hope Hospice for their excellent care, as well as aides Gail, Rebecca and Carrel.
A service will be at the discretion of the family.
Memorial contributions are welcome to Center for Hope Hospice (https://cfhh.org/) or to a charity of your choice.
June 27, 2024
