Betsy Coleman Kopecky

Betsy Coleman Kopecky, 78, died at home on March 8, 2017 after a lengthy illness. She was born on June 23, 1938 to the late Betsy Priday Coleman and James L. Coleman. She lived in Cameron, Texas until she was 12 years old when her family moved to Bay City, Texas.

Betsy graduated from Bay City High School in 1956 as valedictorian. In 1960, she graduated with honors from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.

Following graduation, Betsy was employed by DuPont at The Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware. Later, she was employed by NASA at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. In 1962, she married Alfred A. Kopecky, M.D., and, in 1965, she left NASA to become a full-time mother. In 1969, the family moved to Victoria where Al practiced urology for 43 years.

During her years in Victoria, Betsy was devoted to numerous civic, social, and charitable organizations in the Victoria community. She was an active member of the Junior League of Victoria, Club 20, the Bronte Club of Victoria, Medical Alliance, and “Stitch and Bitch” sewing circle. When her children were young, she was also involved in a variety of school-related activities, including serving as a Girl Scout leader and PTA president. She served for many years on the board of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the board of the Nave Museum and a founding board member of the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Betsy is survived by her husband of 54 years and three children—Kathryn Schaper of Victoria, Susan Hellinger (Mark) of Houston, and Alfred James Kopecky (Elizabeth) of Victoria—and seven grandchildren: Julia, Luke, and Michael Schaper; Christopher and William Hellinger; and Katherine Jane and Penelope Kopecky. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James L. Coleman, M.D., of Victoria.

The family is especially grateful to Larry Riedel, M.D., Richard Sawyers, M.D., and caregivers Kristina Morales and Janie Lopez.

The visitation will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017 at the Rosewood Funeral Chapel (3304 Mockingbird Lane) followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017. A reception will be held following the service. Afterward, anyone may join the family for the burial at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Jason Elder, Fred Fry, M.D, Christopher Hellinger, Mark Hellinger, James T. (Terry) McCormack, and John White, M.D. Honorary pallbearers are the past and present members of the Bronte Club, Club 20, and the Stitch and Bitch sewing circle.

Remembrances may be sent to St. Joseph High School, Our Lady of Victory School, Nazareth Academy, Trinity Episcopal School, or the Victoria Symphony Orchestra.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.